Integrated analysis identifies a pathway-related competing endogenous RNA network in the progression of Pancreatic cancer

Abstract

Background: It is well acknowledged that cancer-related pathways play pivotal roles in the progression of pancreatic cancer (PC). Employing Integrated analysis, we aim to identify the pathway-related ceRNA network associated with PC progression.Methods: We divided eight GEO datasets into three groups according to their platform, and combined TCGA and GTEx databases as a group. Additionally, we screened out the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and performed functional enrichment analysis in each group, and recognized the top hub genes in the most enriched pathway. Furthermore, the upstream of miRNAs and lncRNAs were predicted and validated according to their expression and prognostic roles. Finally, the co-expression analysis was applied to identify a pathway-related ceRNA network in the progression of PC.Results: A total of 51 significant pathways that common enriched in all groups were spotted. Enrichment analysis indicated that pathway in cancer was greatly linked with tumor formation and progression. Next, the top 20 hug genes in this pathway were recognized, and stepwise prediction and validation from mRNA to lncRNA, including 11 hub genes, 4 key miRNAs, and 2 key lncRNAs, were applied to identify a meaningful ceRNA network according to ceRNA rules. Ultimately, we identified the PVT1/miR-20b-/CCND1 axis as a promising pathway-related ceRNA axis in the progression of PC.Conclusion: Overall, we elucidate the pathway-related ceRNA regulatory network of PVT1/miR-20b-/CCND1 in the progression of PC, which can be considered as therapeutic targets and encouraging prognostic biomarkers for PC.

nc‐RNA‐mediated high expression of CDK6 correlates with poor prognosis and immune infiltration in pancreatic cancer

“…For instance, Zu et al found PVT1/miR-20b/ CCND1 ceRNA regulatory network associated with PC progression by comprehensive analysis. 22 Gao et al demonstrated that lncRNA DLEU1 promotes the development of PDAC through the miR-381/CXCR4 axis. 23 However, to our knowledge, a complete ncRNA-miRNA regulatory axis associated with CDK6 has not been established in PC to date.…”

“…Notably, one miRNA can be regulated by multiple LncRNAs and one mRNA can be targeted by several miRNAs in PC. For instance, Zu et al found PVT1/miR‐20b/CCND1 ceRNA regulatory network associated with PC progression by comprehensive analysis 22 . Gao et al demonstrated that lncRNA DLEU1 promotes the development of PDAC through the miR‐381/CXCR4 axis 23 .…”