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Identification of key candidate genes and pathways in endometrial cancer: Evidence from bioinformatics analysis
Sha Lv1, Xiaoxiao Xu1, Zhangying Wu1
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550001, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. Although researchers are exploring the biological processes of tumorigenesis and development of EC, the gene interactions and biological pathways of EC are not accurately verified. In the present study, bioinformatics methods were used to screen for key candidate genes and pathways that were associated with EC and to reveal the possible mechanisms at molecular level. Microarray datasets (GSE63678, GSE17025 and GSE3013) from the Gene Expression Omnibus database were downloaded and 118 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected using a Venn diagram. Functional enrichment analyses were performed on the DEGs. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed, including the module analysis. A total of 11 hub genes were identified from the DEGs, and functional enrichment analyses were performed to clarify their possible biological processes. A total of 118 DEGs were selected from three mRNA datasets. Functional enrichment demonstrated 27 downregulated genes that were primarily involved in the positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter, protein binding and the nucleus. A total of 91 upregulated DEGs were mainly associated with cell division, protein binding and the nucleus. Pathway analysis indicated that the downregulated DEGs were mainly enriched in pathways associated with cancer, and the upregulated DEGs were mainly enriched in the cell cycle. The 11 hub genes were primarily enriched in the cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, the p53 signaling pathway and viral carcinogenesis. The integrated analysis showed that cyclin B1, ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2 C and cell division cycle 20 may participate in the tumorigenesis, development and invasion of EC. In conclusion, the hub genes and pathways identified in the present study contributed to the understanding of carcinogenesis and progression of EC at the mechanistic and molecular-biological level. As candidate targets for the diagnosis and treatment of EC, these genes deserve further investigation.
Insights
This study identifies key genes and pathways involved in endometrial cancer (EC) development using bioinformatics. Findings highlight cyclin B1, UBE2C, and CDC20 as potential targets for EC diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Bioinformatics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Endometrial cancer (EC) is a prevalent cancer in women globally.
- Accurate understanding of EC tumorigenesis, gene interactions, and biological pathways remains incomplete.
- Identifying key molecular mechanisms is crucial for advancing EC diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key candidate genes and pathways associated with endometrial cancer using bioinformatics.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying EC development and progression.
- To explore potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for EC.
Main Methods:
- Downloaded and analyzed microarray datasets (GSE63678, GSE17025, GSE3013) from the Gene Expression Omnibus database.
- Identified 118 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using Venn diagrams.
- Performed functional enrichment analysis, constructed a protein-protein interaction network, and identified 11 hub genes.
Main Results:
- Identified 118 DEGs, with 27 downregulated genes involved in transcription regulation and 91 upregulated genes associated with cell division.
- Pathway analysis revealed enrichment in cancer-related pathways for downregulated DEGs and cell cycle pathways for upregulated DEGs.
- Identified 11 hub genes enriched in cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, and p53 signaling pathways; highlighted cyclin B1, UBE2C, and CDC20 as significant.
Conclusions:
- The identified hub genes and pathways provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of EC carcinogenesis and progression.
- Cyclin B1, ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2 C (UBE2C), and cell division cycle 20 (CDC20) are potential key players in EC tumorigenesis, development, and invasion.
- These candidate genes warrant further investigation as potential targets for EC diagnosis and treatment.
