Identification of key genes and related pathways in hepatocarcinoma using bioinformatics analysis

Objective: Various treatments have greatly reduced the mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, few therapies could be performed in advanced HCC. Therefore, understanding the characteristics of HCC at the level of the whole transcriptome can help prevent the progression of HCC. Methods: The aim of this study was to identify differently expressed genes and potent pathways between normal liver and HCC tissues. The gene expression profiles of GSE104627 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database. The Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed and protein-protein interaction network of the differentially expressed genes were constructed by Cytoscape software. Results: In total, 880 differently expressed genes were identified between normal and tumor tissues, including 554 up-regulated genes and 326 down-regulated genes. Gene Ontology analysis results showed that the up-regulated genes were significantly enriched in establishment of RNA localization, nucleic acid transport, RNA transport, RNA localization and nucleobase, nucleoside, nucleotide and nucleic acid transport. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis showed the up-regulated genes were enriched in axon guidance, dorso-ventral axis formation and pathways in cancer. The top 10 hub genes were identified from the protein - protein interaction network, and sub-networks revealed these genes were involved in significant pathways, including G protein-coupled receptors signaling pathway, signaling pathway via MAPK and extracellular matrix organization. Conclusion: The present study described the differently expressed genes between normal tissues and HCC tissues from the level of gene transcription. The possible signaling pathways involved in the development of HCC and related molecules involved were analyzed. However, further laboratory and clinical validation is still needed