Identification of Seven Hub Genes as the Novel Biomarkers in Triple-negative Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Metastasis

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors with the highest morbidity and mortality among women. Compared with the other breast cancer subtypes, Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a higher probability of recurrence and is prone to distant metastasis. To reveal the underlying disease mechanisms and identify more effective biomarkers for TNBC and breast cancer metastasis. Methods: Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analysis were used for investigating the role of overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Hub genes among these DEGs were determined by the protein-protein interactions network analysis and CytoHubba. Oncomine databases were used for verifying the clinical relevance of hub genes. Furthermore, the differences in the expression of these genes in cancer and normal tissues were validated in the cellular, animal and human tissue.Results: Seven hub genes, including TTK, KIF11, SPAG5, RRM2, BUB1, CDCA8 and CDC25C, were identified that might be associated with TNBC and breast cancer metastasis. Meanwhile, these genes have been verified highly expressed in tumor cells and tumor tissues, and patients with higher expression of these genes have a poorer prognosis. Conclusions: Seven hub genes were potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and therapy of TNBC and breast cancer metastasis.