Screening and identification of key biomarkers for retinoblastoma: Evidence from bioinformatics analysis

Retinoblastoma (RB) is one of the most common malignant tumors in pediatrics; to clarify the cause of RB, a lot of manpower and material resources have been invested but have not been well explained.

To identify the candidate genes in the occurrence and development of the disease, we downloaded the microarray datasets GSE97508, GSE92987, and GSE24673 from the gene expression database (GEO). The differentially expressed gene (DEG) was identified and functional enrichment analysis was performed. The protein-protein interaction network was constructed and analyzed by String and Cytoscape.

A total of 74 DEGs were identified, including 40 up-regulated genes and 34 down-regulated genes. The rich functions and pathways of DEG include regulating mitosis, cell cycle, DNA transcription process, promoting protein phosphorylation, regulating energy metabolism in vivo, promoting the binding of some macromolecular complexes, and regulating the cell cycle. Twenty-four HUB genes were identified. Biological process analysis showed that these genes were mainly enriched in regulating energy metabolism in vivo, promoting the binding of some small molecules and regulating the cell cycle. Survival analysis showed that DGPDC1, NDC80, SHCBP, TOP2A, and DLGAP5 may be involved in the occurrence, invasion, or recurrence of RB.

In conclusion, screening DEGs and HUB genes in RB can help us to better understand the mechanism of the occurrence and development of RB at the molecular level, and provide candidate targets for the diagnosis and treatment of RB.