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Utilizing Functional Genomics Screening to Identify Potentially Novel Drug Targets in Cancer Cell Spheroid Cultures
Published on: December 26, 2016
Genome-scale meta-analysis of breast cancer datasets identifies promising targets for drug development
Reem Altaf1, Humaira Nadeem2, Mustafeez Mujtaba Babar3
1Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan. reemhossein@gmail.com.
Background:
Because of the highly heterogeneous nature of breast cancer, each subtype differs in response to several treatment regimens. This has limited the therapeutic options for metastatic breast cancer disease requiring exploration of diverse therapeutic models to target tumor specific biomarkers.
Methods:
Differentially expressed breast cancer genes identified through extensive data mapping were studied for their interaction with other target proteins involved in breast cancer progression. The molecular mechanisms by which these signature genes are involved in breast cancer metastasis were also studied through pathway analysis. The potential drug targets for these genes were also identified.
Results:
From 50 DEGs, 20 genes were identified based on fold change and p-value and the data curation of these genes helped in shortlisting 8 potential gene signatures that can be used as potential candidates for breast cancer. Their network and pathway analysis clarified the role of these genes in breast cancer and their interaction with other signaling pathways involved in the progression of disease metastasis. The miRNA targets identified through miRDB predictor provided potential miRNA targets for these genes that can be involved in breast cancer progression. Several FDA approved drug targets were identified for the signature genes easing the therapeutic options for breast cancer treatment.
Conclusion:
The study provides a more clarified role of signature genes, their interaction with other genes as well as signaling pathways. The miRNA prediction and the potential drugs identified will aid in assessing the role of these targets in breast cancer.
Insights
This study identifies 8 key gene signatures for breast cancer, clarifying their roles in metastasis and identifying potential therapeutic targets, including FDA-approved drugs and miRNA interactions, to improve treatment options.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Breast cancer exhibits significant heterogeneity, leading to varied treatment responses across subtypes.
- Limited therapeutic options exist for metastatic breast cancer, necessitating novel strategies targeting specific biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel gene signatures in breast cancer.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying breast cancer metastasis.
- To discover potential therapeutic targets, including drug and miRNA targets, for breast cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Differential gene expression analysis of breast cancer data.
- Network and pathway analysis to understand gene interactions and metastatic mechanisms.
- Utilized miRDB for miRNA target prediction and identified FDA-approved drug targets.
Main Results:
- Identified 8 potential gene signatures from 50 differentially expressed genes (DEGs).
- Clarified the role of these genes in breast cancer progression and metastasis through network and pathway analysis.
- Discovered potential miRNA targets and identified several FDA-approved drug targets for therapeutic intervention.
Conclusions:
- The identified gene signatures offer a clearer understanding of their roles and interactions in breast cancer.
- miRNA predictions and identified drug targets provide valuable insights for developing new breast cancer therapies.
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