Background
Glioma is one of the most common primary intracranial tumors. Although a lot of studies have been conducted to elucidate the pathogeny of glioma, the molecular mechanisms are still unclear because of its complex biological functions.
Methods
To identify the candidate genes in the carcinogenesis and progression of glioma, microarray datasets GSE4290, GSE122498 and GSE2223 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and performed function enrichment of DEGs by Gene ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. The protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was constructed using STRING and Cytoscape to find hub genes. Survival analysis and GEPIA database was conducted to screen and validate critical genes. Analysis of miRNA and genetic alteration was used to explore and predict the molecule mechanism.
Results
A total of 150 DEGs were identified, consisting of 54 downregulated genes and 96 upregulated genes. The enriched functions and pathways of the DEGs include regulation of transportation, synaptic transmission and SH3 domain binding. Fifteen hub genes were identified and biological process analysis revealed that these genes were mainly enriched in SH3 domain binding, neuron projection terminus, mitotic nuclear division, condensed chromosome and affected the brain development. Survival analysis showed that VAMP2, PPP3CA, DLGAP5, KIF14, REPS2, CENPU, KNTC1 and SMC4, may be involved in the carcinogenesis, invasion or recurrence of glioma. These 8 hub genes, which were related miRNAs and genetic changes were commonly involved in the development of glioma, were closely associated with tumor grade.
Conclusion
DEGs and hub genes identified in the present study help us understand the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis and progression of glioma, and provide candidate targets for diagnosis and treatment of glioma.
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