Identification of the hub genes and pathways involved in acute myeloid leukemia using bioinformatics analysis

BACKGROUND: We identified the hub genes and pathways dysregulated in acute myeloid leukemia and the potential molecular mechanisms involved. METHODS: We downloaded the GSE15061 gene expression dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and used weighted gene co-expression network analysis to identify hub genes. Differential expression of the genes was evaluated using the limma package in R software. Subsequently, we built a protein–protein interaction network followed by functional enrichment analysis. Then, the prognostic significance of gene expression was explored in terms of overall survival. Finally, transcription factor-mRNA (ribonucleic acid) and microRNA-mRNA interaction analysis was also explored. RESULTS: We identified 100 differentially expressed hub genes. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that the genes were principally involved in immune system regulation, host defense, and negative regulation of apoptosis and myeloid cell differentiation. We identified 4 hub genes, the expression of which was significantly correlated with overall survival. Finally, 26 key regulators for hub genes and 38 microRNA-mRNA interactions were identified. CONCLUSION: We performed a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of hub genes potentially involved in acute myeloid leukemia development. Further molecular biological experiments are required to confirm the roles played by these genes.