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Published on: April 12, 2024
Identification of key genes and pathways in gastric signet ring cell carcinoma based on transcriptome analysis
Zi-Tong Zhao1, Yang Li2, Hong-Yu Yuan1
1State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
Background:
Gastric signet ring cell carcinoma (GSRCC) is one of the most malignant tumors. It has the features of high invasiveness, rapid progression, and resistance to chemotherapy. However, systematic analyses of mRNAs have not yet been performed for GSRCC.
Aim:
To identify key mRNAs and signaling pathways in GSRCC.
Methods:
A transcriptome analysis of two GSRCC and two non-GSRCC samples was performed in this study. Differentially expressed mRNAs and pathways were identified based on the KEGG and PANTHER pathway annotations. The interactive relationships among the differential genes were mapped with the STRING database. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to validate the key gene expression in GSRCC.
Results:
About 1162 differential genes (using a 2-fold cutoff, P < 0.05) were identified in GSRCC compared with non-GSRCC. The enriched KEGG and PANTHER pathways for the differential genes included immune response pathways, metabolic pathways, and metastasis-associated pathways. Ten genes (MAGEA2, MAGEA2B, MAGEA3, MAGEA4, MAGEA6, MUC13, GUCA2A, FFAR4, REG1A, and REG1B) were identified as hub genes in the protein-protein interaction network. The expression levels of five genes (MAGEA2, MAGEA3, MAGEA4, MAGEA6, and REG1B) showed potential clinical value.
Conclusion:
We have identified the potential key genes and pathways in GSRCC, and these hub genes and pathways could be diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for GSRCC.
Insights
This study identified key messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and pathways in gastric signet ring cell carcinoma (GSRCC). These findings offer potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for this aggressive cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Gastric signet ring cell carcinoma (GSRCC) is a highly aggressive malignancy.
- GSRCC exhibits rapid progression and chemotherapy resistance.
- Systematic mRNA analysis for GSRCC has been lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in GSRCC.
- To elucidate critical signaling pathways implicated in GSRCC development and progression.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptome analysis of GSRCC and non-GSRCC samples.
- Identification of differentially expressed mRNAs and pathways using KEGG and PANTHER.
- Protein-protein interaction network analysis with STRING.
- Validation of key gene expression via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.
Main Results:
- Identified 1162 differentially expressed mRNAs in GSRCC.
- Enriched pathways include immune response, metabolism, and metastasis.
- Discovered ten hub genes, including MAGEA2, MAGEA3, MAGEA4, MAGEA6, and REG1B, with potential clinical value.
Conclusions:
- Key genes and pathways in GSRCC have been identified.
- These molecular targets show promise as diagnostic markers.
- Hub genes and pathways represent potential therapeutic targets for GSRCC.
