Integrative Bioinformatic Analysis Identifies Key Genes Driving Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis

Background/Objectives: Brain metastasis (BM) represents a significant clinical challenge in advanced breast cancer, yet the molecular mechanisms driving breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) remain incompletely characterized. This study aims to identify key molecular pathways and hub genes specifically associated with BCBM through comprehensive bioinformatic analyses. Methods: Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), differential gene expression analysis, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were performed using two independent GEO datasets (GSE191230 and GSE43837). Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed to visualize functional interconnections among dysregulated genes. Survival analyses were conducted using the Kaplan-Meier Plotter database to evaluate the prognostic significance of identified hub genes. Results: GSEA revealed significant upregulation of metabolic pathways (mTORC1 signaling, glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation) and downregulation of immune-related pathways in BCBM compared to primary tumors. Integrative analysis identified 34 consistently dysregulated genes across datasets, from which 12 hub genes were validated. Among these, RRM2, CDCA8, CCNB1, LMNB2, FANCI, NCAPH, YWHAZ, and ESPL1 demonstrated brain-specific over-expression compared to other metastatic sites. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted cell cycle dysregulation as a critical mechanism in BCBM, and all hub genes showed significant association with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. Conclusions: This study identifies a unique molecular profile of BCBM characterized by cell cycle dysregulation, metabolic reprogramming, and immune microenvironment alterations. The brain-specific expression patterns of these hub genes represent potential biomarkers for BCBM risk assessment and novel therapeutic targets, providing a basis for precision medicine development.