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Characterization of Functionally Associated miRNAs in Glioblastoma and their Engineering into Artificial Clusters for Gene Therapy
Published on: October 4, 2019
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A Comprehensive Genomic Analysis Constructs miRNA-mRNA Interaction Network in Hepatoblastoma
Tong Chen1, Linlin Tian2, Jianglong Chen1
1Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|August 23, 2021
Summary
This study identifies key microRNAs (miRNAs) and genes involved in hepatoblastoma (HB) development. The findings reveal a complex miRNA-mRNA network that could lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for this pediatric liver cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common pediatric liver tumor with a poor prognosis for advanced cases.
- Existing therapeutic options for advanced HB are limited.
- The molecular mechanisms, particularly the microRNA-messenger RNA (miRNA-mRNA) interaction network, in HB pathogenesis are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the miRNA-mRNA interaction network in hepatoblastoma.
- To identify potential regulatory molecules and pathways involved in HB development.
- To discover potential biomarkers for HB diagnosis and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Differential gene and miRNA expression analysis using public datasets (GSE131329, GSE153089).
- Prediction of transcription factors and miRNA targets using bioinformatics tools (TransmiR v2.0, miRNet).
- Construction and analysis of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks using Cytoscape and identification of hub genes.
- Validation of gene expression using Oncopression database and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).
Main Results:
- Identified hundreds of differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs between HB and normal liver tissues.
- Constructed a comprehensive miRNA-mRNA interaction network, identifying key upregulated and downregulated hub miRNAs.
- Discovered candidate genes enriched in cell cycle pathways and validated several hub genes with significant differential expression in HB.
- Established protein-protein interaction modules and identified top hub genes within these networks.
Conclusions:
- Uncovered critical miRNAs, transcription factors, and hub genes implicated in hepatoblastoma pathogenesis.
- The developed miRNA-mRNA interaction network and PPI modules offer potential therapeutic targets.
- These findings may pave the way for novel theranostic biomarkers for hepatoblastoma.
