Identification of Genes Crucial for Biological Processes in Breast Cancer Liver Metastasis Relapse

Abstract

Breast cancer, when advancing to a metastatic stage, involves the liver, impacting over 50% of cases and significantly diminishing survival rates. Presently, a lack of tailored therapeutic protocols for breast cancer liver metastasis (BCLM) underscores the need for a deeper understanding of molecular patterns governing this complication. Therefore, by analyzing differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between primary breast tumors and BCLM lesions, we aimed to shed light on the diversities of this process. This research investigated breast cancer liver metastasis relapse by employing a comprehensive approach that integrated data filtering, gene ontology and KEGG pathway analysis, overall survival analysis, identification of the alteration in the DEGs, visualization of the protein–protein interaction network, Signor 2.0, identification of positively correlated genes, immune cell infiltration analysis, genetic alternation analysis, copy number variant analysis, gene-to-mRNA interaction, transcription factor analysis, molecular docking, and identification of potential treatment targets. This study’s integrative approach unveiled metabolic reprogramming, suggesting altered PCK1 and LPL expression as key in breast cancer metastasis recurrence.