This investigation involved observing the expression of the first eight hub genes in tissues and the expression of NIMA-related kinase 2 (NEK2) in different stages and then survival analysis of HNSC.
Weighted gene co-expression network analysis and prognostic analysis identifies hub genes and the molecular mechanism related to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Furthermore, the relationship of hub genes with the overall survival and disease-free survival in HNSCC patients was investigated using the cancer genome atlas data.
Two of the hub genes (PCNA and CCND1) identified from the PPI network of component DEGs in cell cycle and p53 signaling pathways were defined as the critical targets of candidate drugs with increased protein expression in HNSCC tissues, which was reported by the human protein atlas (HPA) database and cBioPortal.
This study aimed to reveal the regulatory roles of microRNAs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) through comprehensive ceRNA, miRNA-transcription factor (TF)-hub gene network and survival analysis.
Additionally, the hub genes we identified can be used as biomarkers and therapeutic targets of HNSCC, laying the foundation for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of HNSCC in clinical and research in the future.