Gene expression profiles and protein-protein interaction networks in neuroblastoma with MEIS2 depletion

The purpose of the present study was to identify differential gene expressions (DEGs) and key pathways in neuroblastoma with MEIS2 depletion through bioinformatics.

The microarray gene expression dataset GSE56003 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. DEGs were identified using Gene Level RMA sketch and Transcriptome Analysis Console. Gene ontology (GO) function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs were performed using the DAVID online tool. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed by mapping the DEGs onto Cytoscape software. MCODE algorithm was used to select the module and Centiscape was used to screen the hub genes. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves was utilized to show the correlation of specific gene expressions and the survival situation of NB patients. Results：A total of 1352 DEGs were identified in neuroblastoma with MEIS2 depletion, which were mainly enriched during the cell cycle, DNA replication, and DNA repair. CDK2, RAD51, BRCA1, and MCM3 were selected as hub genes that have the potential as novel therapeutic targets for neuroblastoma.

This study revealed the hub genes and pathway involved in neuroblastoma with MEIS2 knockdown, which offered new insights into the molecular networks underlying MEIS2 depletion in neuroblastoma. Additionally, this study provided a valuable resource of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.