MicroRNAs associated with lung squamous cell carcinoma: New prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets

BACKGROUND: With the development in research, the importance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the occurrence and metastasis, and prognosis of lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) have received extensive attention. This study aims to identify new biomarkers and pivotal genes associated with LUSC prognosis through bioinformatics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We downloaded miRNA and messenger RNA samples related to LUSC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Following initial data screening and preprocessing, we utilized the R platform and a range of analysis tools (miRDB, TargetScanHuman7.2, DAVID, and Cytoscape_v3.5.1) to analyze the TCGA data and identify highly specific and sensitive biomarkers. RESULTS: We finally identified 12 miRNAs and six central genes closely related to the overall survival of patients with LUSC. We found that high expression of 7 miRNAs (miR-301b, miR-383, miR-512, miR-515, miR-525, miR-577, and miR-5682) and low expression of five miRNAs (miR-448, miR-486, miR-4732,miR-4732, miR-516, and miR-1911) can significantly improve the overall survival rate of patients with LUSC. The six central genes DLGAP5, CENPA, CHEK1, LRRK2, CALB1, and TOP2A are directly or indirectly involved in the formation and metastasis of LUSC and could, therefore, be considered as target genes for drug therapy. CONCLUSION: With the development in research, the importance of miRNAs in the occurrence and metastasis and prognosis of LUSC have received extensive attention. This study aims to identify new biomarkers and pivotal genes associated with LUSC prognosis through bioinformatics.