Recognition of multiple potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (OSOC)

Background: Ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (OSOC) is the most common gynecologic cancer (GC), but existing therapeutics are limited. Therefore, novel molecular pathways that contribute to OSOC therapy and diagnostics are urgently needed. Methods: Based on the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases, we acquired differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from GEO and clinical information from TCGA, and then we performed functional analysis of the 2DEGs. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and Robust Rank Aggregation (RRA) analysis were used to screen the hub genes. Next, diagnostic, prognostic, immune infiltration and pancancer analysis of hub genes were performed. In addition, the drug sensitivity and drug interaction networks of the hub genes were assessed. Finally, we performed transcription factors (TFs) and competing endogenous RNA(ceRNA) regulatory analyses of the hub genes to analyze the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with the hub genes. Results: Ultimately, we screened 6 hub genes, namely GTSE1, ORC6, PKMYT1, RAD54L, UBE2C and E2F7. According to the ROC analysis, all 6 hub genes demonstrated excellent efficacy. Correlation analysis revealed that the expression of the hub genes was significantly correlated with the deterioration of OSOC. Conclusion: By combining the PPI network, this research identified 6 hub genes that could serve as novel targets for the diagnosis and treatment of OSOC.