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Identification of key genes in osteosarcoma - before and after CDK7 treatment

Yang An1,2, Yuanlin Wang3, Guoyong Xu1

  • 1Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, P. R. China.

Medicine
|October 1, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study identified four key genes and the ribosome biogenesis pathway as potential therapeutic targets for osteosarcoma. These findings offer new avenues for molecular targeted therapy against this aggressive bone cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Osteosarcoma is a highly malignant bone tumor with a poor prognosis.
  • Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) inhibitors, like THZ2, show promise in inhibiting osteosarcoma growth by affecting transcriptional activity.
  • Identifying novel therapeutic targets is crucial for improving osteosarcoma treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in osteosarcoma cells following THZ2 treatment.
  • To identify potential new molecular targets for osteosarcoma therapy.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying THZ2's anti-osteosarcoma effects.

Main Methods:

  • Gene expression profiles (GSE134603) were analyzed using R software to identify DEGs.
  • Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed using DAVID and Cluego.
  • Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed and analyzed using Cytoscape to identify key molecular complexes and hub genes.

Main Results:

  • A total of 1033 DEGs were identified, with 800 upregulated and 233 downregulated.
  • GO analysis revealed enrichment in nuclear and cytoplasmic components, protein binding, and DNA-templated transcription regulation.
  • KEGG analysis highlighted the "Ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes" pathway, and four hub genes were identified: essential for mitotic growth 1, U3 SnoRNP protein 3 homolog, U3 small nucleolar RNA-associated protein 15 homolog, and WD repeat domain 3.

Conclusions:

  • The identified four genes and the ribosome biogenesis pathway are significantly implicated in osteosarcoma development.
  • These findings suggest novel molecular targets for future targeted therapies against osteosarcoma.
  • This research provides a foundation for developing new therapeutic strategies for osteosarcoma.

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