Co-expression network-based identification of biomarkers correlated with the lymph node metastasis of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is ranked as one of the most frequent malignancies worldwide with a high risk of lymph node metastasis, which serves as a main reason for cancer deaths. Identification of the potential biomarkers for lymph node metastasis in HNSCC patients may contribute to personalized treatment and better therapeutic effect. In the present study, GSE30788 microarray data and corresponding clinical parameters were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was performed to investigate significant modules associated with clinical traits. As a result, the genes in the blue module were determined as candidate genes related with HNSCC lymph node metastasis and ten hub genes were selected from the PPI network. Further analysis validated the close associations of hub gene expression with lymph node metastasis of HNSCC patients. Furthermore, survival analysis suggested the level of Loricrin (LOR) was statistically significantly associated with the disease-free survival of HNSCC patients, indicating the potential of utilizing it as prognosis predictor. Overall, our study conducted a co-expression network-based analysis to investigate significant genes underlying HNSCC metastasis, providing promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Peer Review #1 of "Comprehensive analysis and identification of key genes and signaling pathways in the occurrence and metastasis of cutaneous melanoma (v0.1)"

“…However, other genes had not been proven to be related to CM, such as LOR dysregulation was considered as an early indicator of potential malignant diseases, including oral submucosal fibrosis and leucoplasis [43] . IVL was a specific and sensitive marker of cell differentiation, the expression of IVL in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients with or without lymph node metastasis was significantly different [44] . Loss-of-function mutations in FLG can lead to a decrease in epidermal filaggrin and its degradation products, and increase the sensitivity of CM [45] .…”

Identification of Metastasis-Associated Gene And Its Correlation With Immune Infiltrates For Skin Cutaneous Melanoma

“…In oral squamous cell carcinoma, the expression patterns of IVL were different between carcinoma in situ and invasive carcinoma, implying IVL expression was closely related to the degree of differentiation of the tumors [30]. IVL expression presented remarkable different in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma samples with or without clinical lymph node metastasis [31]. However, there are few articles about the relationship between IVL and melanoma metastasis.…”

Comprehensive analysis and identification of key genes and signaling pathways in the occurrence and metastasis of cutaneous melanoma

“…However, other genes had not been proven to be related to CM, such as LOR dysregulation was considered as an early indicator of potential malignant diseases, including oral submucosal fibrosis and leucoplasis (Nithya et al, 2019). IVL was a specific and sensitive marker of cell differentiation, the expression of IVL in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients with or without lymph node metastasis was significantly different (Jin & Qin, 2020). Loss-of-function mutations in FLG can lead to a decrease in epidermal filaggrin and its degradation products, and increase the sensitivity of CM (Thyssen et al, 2018).…”