Identification of candidate genes for myeloma-induced osteocyte death based on microarray data

BACKGROUND: The study was aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of osteocyte death in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. METHODS: GSE27372 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus, including three HOB-01 (osteocyte cell line) control samples and three HOB-01 samples co-cultured with JJN3 (human MM cell line). After the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by Student’s t test method, enrichment analyses were performed for them using DAVID software. Using TRANSFAC, TSGene, and tumor-associated gene (TAG) databases, functional annotation was conducted for the DEGs. Additionally, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and sub-network analyses were performed using STRING database and Cytoscape software. RESULTS: Total 393 DEGs were identified, including 22 transcription factors (e.g., KLF4 and IRF8) and 37 TAGs. Enrichment analysis suggested that EGF, S1PR1, and NPY1R were enriched in the function of circulatory system development. EGF (degree = 31) and EGR1 (degree = 19) had high degrees and interactions in the PPI network. In the sub-network, S1PR1, C3AR1, and NPY1R could interact with each other. CONCLUSIONS: These DEGs might participate in the osteocyte apoptosis induced by myeloma cells. These findings might provide a theoretical basis for a better understanding of the osteolysis in MM patients.