Unveiling the shared genes between systemic sclerosis and lung cancer

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Oncology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is linked to increased lung cancer risk.
• The genetic underpinnings of this association are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify genes commonly associated with both SSc and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).
• To investigate the role of shared genes in LUAD progression and patient survival.

Main Methods:

• Differential gene expression analysis of SSc and LUAD datasets.
• Protein-protein interaction network analysis to identify shared genes.
• Validation using ROC curve analysis and clinical data from UALCAN.
• In vitro experiments to assess gene function in lung cancer cells.

Main Results:

• Seven shared genes were identified, with PRKG2 showing high diagnostic value (AUC > 0.93) for both SSc and LUAD.
• Lower PRKG2 expression correlated with advanced LUAD stages and lymph node metastasis.
• High PRKG2 expression was associated with improved disease-free survival in LUAD patients.
• Overexpression of PRKG2 inhibited LUAD cell proliferation and invasion in vitro.

Conclusions:

• PRKG2 is a significant shared gene between SSc and LUAD.
• PRKG2 acts as a tumor suppressor in lung cancer, inhibiting proliferation and invasion.
• PRKG2 may represent a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer in SSc patients.