Integrated bioinformatics analysis and screening hub genes in papillary thyroid cancer

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>Background With the increasing incidence, papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is receiving more and more attention, but the pathogenesis of which is still not completely elucidated. The purpose of this study was to explore key biomarkers and new therapeutic targets in PTC. Methods GEO2R and Venn online software were used for differential gene screening analysis. Hub genes were screened via STRING and Cytoscape, following Gene Ontology and KEGG enrichment analysis. Finally, survival analysis and expression validation were performed via UALCAN online software and immunohistochemistry. Results We screened 334 consistently differentially expressed genes (DEGs), composed of 136 upregulated genes and 198 downregulated genes. Gene ontology enrichment analysis suggested that DEGs mainly enriched in the cancer-related pathways and functions. PPI network visualization was performed to select 17 upregulated and 13 downregulated DEGs. Finally, the expression verification and overall survival analysis conducted in the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis Tool (GEPIA) and UALCAN showed that LPAR5, TFPI and ENTPD1 were related to the development of PTC and the prognosis of PTC patients, and the expression of LPAR5 was verified by tissue chip. Conclusions In summary, the hub genes and pathways identified in the present study not only provided new biomarkers for PTC, but also will be useful for elucidating the pathogenesis of PTC.</jats:p>