Exploring Differentially Expressed Genes and Understanding the Underlying Mechanisms in Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive and malignant tumor of the central nervous system. Current treatment options, including surgical excision, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, have Limited efficacy, with a median survival rate of approximately 15 months. To develop novel therapeutics, it is crucial to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms driving glioblastoma. However, obtaining healthy tissue counterparts for comparison is often challenging due to the critical nature of the tissues and the tumor's location. This study aimed to compare the transcriptomic profiles of glioblastoma tissues with those of adjacent healthy tissues, to elucidate key pathways and identify upstream regulators involved in glioblastoma pathogenesis. Twenty-six pairs of glioblastoma tissues and their adjacent healthy tissues were obtained during surgery. The tumor and healthy origins were confirmed through histopathological examination. Twelve pairs were analyzed via transcriptome analysis by using the Ion GeneStudio S5 system. Ingenuity pathway analysis was performed to identify the associated pathways and upstream regulators. Selected 51 upstream regulators were analyzed using qRT-PCR. Three pairs were excluded from the RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis due to similarities between normal and tumor tissues. The dysregulated pathways were primarily associated with neuronal connections and neurotransmitter pathways. The expression patterns of upstream regulators were consistent with RNA-seq results. Molecular changes linked to the initiation of tumors can begin at an early stage, potentially preceding the appearance of clinical symptoms. The dysregulated pathways were particularly associated with specific brain tissue types. The expression of upstream regulators was consistent across both methods; however, their functional roles need further investigation.