Identification of pivotal lncRNAs in papillary thyroid cancer using lncRNA–mRNA–miRNA ceRNA network analysis

BACKGROUND: To identify pivotal lncRNAs in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) using lncRNA–mRNA–miRNA ceRNA network analysis. METHODS: We obtained gene expression profiles from the gene expression omnibus database. Cancer specific lncRNA, cancer specific miRNA and cancer specific mRNA were identified. An integrated analysis was conducted to detect potential lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA ceRNA in regulating disease transformation. The lncRNA regulated gene ontology (GO) terms and regulated pathways were performed by function analysis. Survival analysis was performed for the pivotal lncRNAs. RESULTS: A total of four lncRNAs, 15 miRNAs and 375 mRNAs are identified as the key mediators in the pathophysiological processes of PTC. GO annotation enrichment analysis showed the most relevant GO terms are signal transduction, integral component of membrane and calcium ion binding. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis showed different changed genes mainly enriched in pathways in cancer, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and focal adhesion. Among four lncRNAs, only SLC26A4-AS1 was significantly associated with PTC patient disease free survival. CONCLUSION: This study has constructed lncRNA–mRNA–miRNA ceRNA networks in PTC. The study provides a set of pivotal lncRNAs for future investigation into the molecular mechanisms.