Identification of POLQ as a key gene in cervical cancer progression using integrated bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation

  • Authors:
    • Yuqin Zang
    • Ruqian Zhao
    • Tao Wang
    • Yueqian Gao
    • Lingli Chen
    • Shiqi Liu
    • Yingmei Wang
    • Fengxia Xue
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: April 26, 2023     https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2023.13002
  • Article Number: 115
Metrics: Total Views: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )
Total PDF Downloads: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )


Abstract

As the most common gynecologic malignancy worldwide, cervical cancer (CC) is a serious hazard to health. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the key genes in CC progression using integrated bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation. The mRNA microarray GSE63514 and microRNA (miRNA) microarray GSE86100 were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in the progression of CC were identified. Thereafter, GO and KEGG functional enrichment analysis, protein‑protein interaction (PPI) network and significant subnetworks construction, and miRNA‑target regulatory network construction were performed. Based on the results of integrated bioinformatics analysis, the DEGs structural maintenance of chromosomes 4 (SMC4), ATPase family, AAA domain‑containing 2 (ATAD2) and DNA polymerase θ (POLQ) were identified as hub genes in the PPI network and were involved in the first significant subnetwork. In addition, these DEGs were predicted to be regulated by miR‑106B, miR‑17‑5P, miR‑20A and miR‑20B, which were identified as DEMs. Of note, SMC4 and ATAD2 are tumor‑promotors in CC. In the present study, small interfering (si)RNAs were used to knock down POLQ expression. Cell Counting Kit‑8, Transwell, cell cycle and apoptosis analyses revealed that the downregulation of POLQ restrained cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted apoptosis and the arrest of the cell cycle in the G2 phase. In conclusion, POLQ, which may have a close interaction with SMC4 and ATAD2, may serve a vital role in the progression of CC.
View Figures
View References

Related Articles

Journal Cover

June-2023
Volume 27 Issue 6

Print ISSN: 1791-2997
Online ISSN:1791-3004

Sign up for eToc alerts

Recommend to Library

Copy and paste a formatted citation
x
Spandidos Publications style
Zang Y, Zhao R, Wang T, Gao Y, Chen L, Liu S, Wang Y and Xue F: Identification of <em>POLQ</em> as a key gene in cervical cancer progression using integrated bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation. Mol Med Rep 27: 115, 2023
APA
Zang, Y., Zhao, R., Wang, T., Gao, Y., Chen, L., Liu, S. ... Xue, F. (2023). Identification of <em>POLQ</em> as a key gene in cervical cancer progression using integrated bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation. Molecular Medicine Reports, 27, 115. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2023.13002
MLA
Zang, Y., Zhao, R., Wang, T., Gao, Y., Chen, L., Liu, S., Wang, Y., Xue, F."Identification of <em>POLQ</em> as a key gene in cervical cancer progression using integrated bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation". Molecular Medicine Reports 27.6 (2023): 115.
Chicago
Zang, Y., Zhao, R., Wang, T., Gao, Y., Chen, L., Liu, S., Wang, Y., Xue, F."Identification of <em>POLQ</em> as a key gene in cervical cancer progression using integrated bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation". Molecular Medicine Reports 27, no. 6 (2023): 115. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2023.13002