Bioinformatics Identification and Functional Analysis of Key Genes of Nucleotide Metabolism in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
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Updated: Feb 26, 2026
Author Spotlight: Unlocking the Mysteries of Oral Potential Malignancies
Published on: August 11, 2023
Purpose:
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a typical hypoxic and metabolically heterogeneous adult invasive oral malignant tumour. Nucleotide metabolism-related genes (NMRGs) have been identified as therapeutic targets for various cancers. This study aims to analyse the characteristics of NMRGs in OSCC and identify potential biomarkers.
Materials And Methods:
Based on the the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and GEO data, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in OSCC were screened and intersected with NMRGs to obtain DE-NMRGs. Key genes were selected through the protein interaction (PPI) network combined with MCC and MCODE algorithms, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and survival curves were drawn. Genes with an area under the curve (AUC) > 0.7 and statistically significant differences were selected as hub genes. Further analysis of the immune infiltration characteristics, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) enrichment, potential drug effects of hub genes, and construction of the ceRNA network were conducted.
Results:
Three hub genes related to nucleotide metabolism (ADA, NT5E, and TYMS) were identified, showing good diagnostic performance (AUC > 0.7). Immune analysis showed that cytotoxic lymphocytes, B lineage, and monocytic lineage had increased infiltration in OSCC (P 0.05). The ceRNA network showed that hsa-miR-30a-5p, hsa-miR-30b-5p interacted with NT5E, and hsa-miR-192-5p, hsa-miR-215-5p interacted with TYMS. Drug prediction suggested that denileukin difitox ontak, STREPTOZOCIN, and nitrogen mustard may be potential therapeutic drugs for OSCC.
Conclusion:
ADA, NT5E and TYMS can serve as potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for OSCC. The study has reference value for early diagnosis and the development of individualised treatment strategies.
Insights
Three nucleotide metabolism-related genes (NMRGs) – ADA, NT5E, and TYMS – show promise as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This research aids in early diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies for this common oral cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a complex malignancy characterized by hypoxia and metabolic heterogeneity.
- Nucleotide metabolism-related genes (NMRGs) are implicated as therapeutic targets in various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics of NMRGs in OSCC.
- To identify potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for OSCC.
Main Methods:
- Differential gene expression analysis of TCGA and GEO data intersected with NMRGs.
- Protein-protein interaction network analysis with MCC and MCODE algorithms to identify key genes.
- Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to select hub genes with diagnostic potential (AUC > 0.7).
Main Results:
- Three hub genes (ADA, NT5E, TYMS) related to nucleotide metabolism were identified with significant diagnostic performance (AUC > 0.7).
- Increased infiltration of cytotoxic lymphocytes, B lineage, and monocytic lineage observed in OSCC.
- A ceRNA network was constructed, revealing interactions between specific microRNAs and hub genes (NT5E, TYMS).
- Potential therapeutic agents including denileukin difitox, STREPTOZOCIN, and nitrogen mustard were predicted.
Conclusions:
- ADA, NT5E, and TYMS are potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for OSCC.
- Findings support early diagnosis and the development of individualized treatment strategies for OSCC patients.
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