Screening of Core Genes for Ferroptosis Associated with Breast Cancer Based on WGCNA Analysis
YANG Sijia1, ZHANG Anyang1, JU Meili1, YANG Zhiwen1, LIU Xiang2, WANG Liangjun1*
The core genes of ferroptosis potentially related to breast cancer were screened by the WGCNA (weighted gene co-expression network analysis) method, aiming to provide potential targets for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. RNA-seq data of breast cancer were obtained from the TCGA database. Modular genes associated with breast cancer were identified through WGCNA. Genes related to ferroptosis were extracted from the FerrDb database. The intersection of breast cancer-related module genes and ferroptosis-related genes was obtained to screen and identify ferroptosis-related genes in breast cancer. GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclo- pedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway enrichment analyses, as well as PPI (protein-protein interaction) network analysis were performed. Immune infiltration analysis was conducted on the screened core genes. A total of 32 genes related to ferroptosis were identified. GO enrichment analyse revealed that the biological functions of 32 genes mainly focused on responses to nutrient levels and peptide hormones. Cellular functions were concentrated in transcriptional regulatory complexes and lipid droplets, while molecular functions were also noted in these areas. KEGG enrichment analyse indicated that 32 genes were predominantly involved in PPAR signaling pathways, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis signaling pathways. Five hub genes associated with ferroptosis in breast cancer were identified: PPARG, ADIPOQ, FABP4, ACSL1, and PDK4. Survival analysis results showed that the expression levels of PPARG and ADIPOQ in breast cancer tissues were significantly correlated with prognosis. In this study, five hub genes related to ferroptosis in breast cancer (PPARG, ADIPOQ, FABP4, ACSL1, and PDK4) were identified through WGCNA analysis, providing a basis for further mechanistic studies.
CN
EN