Cell Adhesion-Related Molecules Play a Key Role in Renal Cancer Progression by Multinetwork Analysis

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common malignancies in the urinary system. The study aimed to identify genetic characteristics and reveal the underlying mechanisms in RCC. GSE53757, GSE46699, and TCGA KIRC database (n = 897) were analyzed to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in RCC. The gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed, followed by the analysis of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the DEGs by Cytoscape software. In all, 834 DEGs were identified in RCC, including 416 upregulated genes and 418 downregulated genes. The top 10 hub genes, VEGFA, EGFR, EGF, CD44, CD86, FN1, ITGAM, ITGB2, TLR2, and PTPRC, were identified from the PPI network according to the core degree. The following subnetwork revealed that these significant modules were enriched in positive regulation of response to external stimulus, regulation of leukocyte-mediated immunity, and regulation of exocytosis. The expressions of these hub genes were also validated using qRT-PCR and IHC in Changzheng RCC database (n = 160). We especially found that half of the top ten hub genes were cell adhesion-related molecules, which were associated with RCC progression and poor prognosis. In conclusion, these hub genes, particularly cell adhesion-related molecules, could be used as prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for RCC.