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Updated: Jan 21, 2026
In Silico Identification and Characterization of circRNAs During Host-Pathogen Interactions
Published on: October 21, 2022
Identification of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in gastric cancer by analysis of microarray data
Yong-Jun Guan1,2, Jian-Ying Ma3, Wei Song4,5
11Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060 Hubei China.
Background:
Evidence is increasingly indicating that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are closely involved in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, the function of circRNAs in gastric cancer (GC) are still unknown. Here, we aimed to determine the regulatory mechanism of circRNAs in GC.
Methods:
Expression profiles of circRNAs were downloaded from four Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) microarray datasets. Expression profiles of miRNAs and mRNAs were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We used the robust rank aggregation method to identify differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) and a ceRNA network was constructed based on circRNA-miRNA pairs and miRNA-mRNA pairs. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses were performed and interactions between proteins were predicted using Cytoscape. Aa subnetwork regulatory module was built using the MCODE plugin.
Results:
A total of eight DEcircRNAs, 240 DEmiRNAs, and 4578 DEmRNAs were identified. The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed based on seven circRNAs, 33 miRNAs, 69 mRNAs in GC. GO and KEGG pathway analysis indicated DEmRNAs might be associated with GC onset and progression. A PPI network was established and four hub genes (MCM4, KIF23, MCM8, and NCAPD2) were determined from the network. Then a circRNA-miRNA-hub gene subnetwork was constructed based on the four DEcircRNAs, three DEmiRNAs, and four DEmRNAs.
Conclusions:
Our findings provide a deeper understanding the circRNA-related competing endogenous RNA regulatory mechanism in GC pathogenesis.
Insights
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a role in gastric cancer (GC) progression. This study identifies key circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs involved in GC pathogenesis, revealing a novel regulatory network.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in tumorigenesis.
- The specific role of circRNAs in gastric cancer (GC) remains largely unexplored.
- Understanding circRNA regulatory mechanisms is crucial for advancing GC research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs in gastric cancer (GC).
- To identify key molecular players and pathways involved in GC development and progression.
- To construct a comprehensive circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in GC.
Main Methods:
- Downloaded circRNA expression data from GEO datasets and miRNA/mRNA data from TCGA.
- Employed robust rank aggregation to identify differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs).
- Constructed a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and analyzed functional enrichment and protein-protein interactions (PPIs).
Main Results:
- Identified eight DEcircRNAs, 240 DEmiRNAs, and 4578 DEmRNAs.
- Established a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network involving seven circRNAs, 33 miRNAs, and 69 mRNAs in GC.
- Discovered four hub genes (MCM4, KIF23, MCM8, NCAPD2) and a regulatory subnetwork.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a deeper understanding of the circRNA-related ceRNA regulatory mechanism in GC pathogenesis.
- Identified key molecular players and networks that could serve as potential therapeutic targets.
- Highlights the significance of circRNAs in the complex landscape of gastric cancer development.
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