An approach for the identification of targets specific to bone metastasis using cancer genes interactome and gene ontology analysis

TL;DR

This study develops a network-based approach combining cancer gene interactome and gene ontology analysis to identify specific targets for secondary bone cancer metastasis, aiding in understanding and potential treatment.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method integrating protein interactome and gene ontology to find targets specific to bone metastasis in cancer.

Findings

Identified key genes involved in cancer mechanisms.

Generated a set of potential therapeutic targets for secondary bone cancer.

Provided insights into molecular regulators of cancer metastasis.

Abstract

Metastasis is one of the most enigmatic aspects of cancer pathogenesis and is a major cause of cancer-associated mortality. Secondary bone cancer (SBC) is a complex disease caused by metastasis of tumor cells from their primary site and is characterized by intricate interplay of molecular interactions. Identification of targets for multifactorial diseases such as SBC, the most frequent complication of breast and prostate cancers, is a challenge. Towards achieving our aim of identification of targets specific to SBC, we constructed a 'Cancer Genes Network', a representative protein interactome of cancer genes. Using graph theoretical methods, we obtained a set of key genes that are relevant for generic mechanisms of cancers and have a role in biological essentiality. We also compiled a curated dataset of 391 SBC genes from published literature which serves as a basis of ontological correlates of secondary bone cancer. Building on these results, we implement a strategy based on generic cancer genes, SBC genes and gene ontology enrichment method, to obtain a set of targets that are specific to bone metastasis. Through this study, we present an approach for probing one of the major complications in cancers, namely, metastasis. The results on genes that play generic roles in cancer phenotype, obtained by network analysis of 'Cancer Genes Network', have broader implications in understanding the role of molecular regulators in mechanisms of cancers. Specifically, our study provides a set of potential targets that are of ontological and regulatory relevance to secondary bone cancer.