Integrated analysis identified core signal pathways and hypoxic characteristics of human glioblastoma

As a hallmark for glioblastoma (GBM), high heterogeneity causes a variety of phenotypes and therapeutic responses among GBM patients, and it contributes to treatment failure. Moreover, hypoxia is a predominant feature of GBM and contributes greatly to its phenotype. To analyse the landscape of gene expression and hypoxic characteristics of GBM cells and their clinical significance in GBM patients, we performed transcriptome analysis of the GBM cell line U87-MG and the normal glial cell line HEB under normoxia and hypoxia conditions, with the results of which were analysed using established gene ontology databases as well as The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia. We revealed core signal pathways, including inflammation, angiogenesis and migration, and for the first time mapped the components of the toll-like receptor 6 pathway in GBM cells. Moreover, by investigating the signal pathways involved in homoeostasis, proliferation and adenosine triphosphate metabolism, the critical response of GBM to hypoxia was clarified. Experiments with cell lines, patient serum and tissue identified IL1B, CSF3 and TIMP1 as potential plasma markers and VIM, STC1, TGFB1 and HMOX1 as potential biopsy markers for GBM. In conclusion, our study provided a comprehensive understanding for signal pathways and hypoxic characteristics of GBM and identified new biomarkers for GBM patients.