Computational analysis and verification of molecular genetic targets for glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor with a poor prognosis. The initial treatment for high-grade gliomas is surgical excision. However, even with concomitant use of radiation or chemotherapy, patients are still prone to recurrence. The specific pathogenesis of GBM is still controversial.

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) between GBM and normal brain tissues were screened. P-value was obtained by Bayes test based on the limma package. Statistical significance was set as P-value <0.05 and |Fold change (FC)| > 0.2 (GSE90886); P-value <0.05 and |FC| > 1 (GSE116520, GSE103228). Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were performed. Hub genes were selected from miRNA target genes and DEGs. GBM and normal brain tissues were extracted to verify the expression.

A total of 100 DEGs were overlapped in both datasets. Analysis of pathways and process enrichment tests indicated that ion transport, positive regulation of macromolecule metabolic process, cell cycle, axon guidance were enriched in the GBM. Sixteen hub genes were identified. Hub genes ADARB1 and neuropilin 1 (NRP1) were significantly associated with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) (P<0.05). Eukaryotic translation termination factor 1 (ETF1) was associated with DFS (P<0.05).

DEGs and DEMs were found between GBM tumor tissues and normal brain tissues. These biomarkers may be used as targets for early diagnosis and specific treatment.