Identification of key gene signatures and their characterization by expression correlation with drug sensitivity in smoking-associated oral squamous cell carcinoma

Pavan Gollapalli ¹, Dhananjay Alagundagi ¹, Sudeep D Ghate ¹

⁰Central Research Laboratory, K. S. Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.

Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics +

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February 20, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study identified four critical genes (interleukin-6, JUN, tumor necrosis factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor A) linked to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression in smokers. These findings offer insights into molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for OSCC.

Area Of Science

Oncology
Genetics
Network Biology

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent and increasingly common head-and-neck cancer.
Understanding the molecular drivers of OSCC is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose Of The Study

To identify and investigate critical genes associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) using a network biology approach.
To explore the role of these genes in cancer progression and their correlation with patient survival.

Main Methods

Constructed protein-protein interaction networks for differentially expressed genes in OSCC.
Identified hub genes using network centrality measures.
Validated gene expression and survival correlations using GEPIA2 and GSCA.

Main Results

Identified four hub genes: interleukin (IL)-6, JUN, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA).
TNF and VEGFA showed significantly higher expression in OSCC tissues.
These hub proteins correlated favorably with overall survival in head-and-neck cancer patients.

Conclusions

The identified hub genes provide potential molecular targets for understanding OSCC progression and metastasis.
These findings may aid in developing targeted therapies for oral cancer, particularly in smokers.