Identification of biomarkers related to glycolysis with weighted gene co‐expression network analysis in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common tumor in the oral cavity and maxillofacial region. Increasing evidence suggests that aerobic glycolysis plays an important role in the occurrence, development, and prognosis of OSCC. Therefore, the identification of biomarkers related to glycolysis in OSCC represents considerable potential for improving its treatment. Methods In the present study, a single‐sample gene‐set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm with weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) were used to quantify the degree of glycolysis and identify key modules with the greatest correlation with glycolysis. Results Glycolytic scores significantly correlated with prognosis. In the key module 5 HUB genes were finally selected, which displayed a robust predictive effect. The expressions of key genes were associated with glycolysis. Conclusions The research comprehensively analyzed the glycolysis of OSCC and identified several biomarkers related to glycolysis. These biomarkers may represent potential therapeutic targets for future OSCC therapy.

Comparative clinical significance and biological roles of PFKFB family members in oral squamous cell carcinoma

“…Cancer cells alter their glycolytic metabolism under aerobic conditions to maintain the high energy levels required for their growth and proliferation [ 4 ]. Aerobic glycolysis (or Warburg effect) regulates the tumorigenesis and prognosis of OSCC [ 5 ]. Several anticancer drugs targeting to glucose metabolism enzyme such as glucose transferase, hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase, lactate dehydrogenase have been developed [ 6 ].…”