An Integrative Genomics Approach for Associating Genome-Wide Association Studies Information With Localized and Metastatic Prostate Cancer Phenotypes

High-throughput genotyping has enabled discovery of genetic variants associated with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer using genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The goal of this study was to associate GWAS information of patients with primary organ–confined and metastatic prostate cancer using gene expression data and to identify molecular networks and biological pathways enriched for genetic susceptibility variants involved in the 2 disease states. The analysis revealed gene signatures for the 2 disease states and a gene signature distinguishing the 2 patient groups. In addition, the analysis revealed molecular networks and biological pathways enriched for genetic susceptibility variants. The discovered pathways include the androgen, apoptosis, and insulinlike growth factor signaling pathways. This analysis established putative functional bridges between GWAS discoveries and the biological pathways involved in primary organ–confined and metastatic prostate cancer.