Integrated analysis of a competing endogenous RNA network reveals an 11-lncRNA prognostic signature in ovarian cancer

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) can function as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) involved in tumor initiation and progression. However, the prognostic roles of lncRNAs in the integrated analysis of the ceRNA network in ovarian cancer (OVC) are still lacking. This study aimed to identify lncRNAs associated with the prognosis of OVC. Differential expression analysis and WGCNA were used to screen OVC-specific RNAs. A lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network consisting of 201 lncRNAs, 85 miRNA and 146 mRNAs was constructed, and functional enrichment and protein-protein network analyses were performed. Then, the OVC-specific RNAs were submitted to Cox regression analysis. Twelve differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were identified as significantly associated with OS of OVC patients. Meanwhile, 11 lncRNAs (including C4A-AS1, LINC02408, LINC00488) were established as prognostic risk formulas. The low-risk group had better OS and DFS than the high-risk group (P <0.01). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed the 11-lncRNA risk score as an independent prognostic factor. A prognostic nomogram was developed based on independent prognostic factors. Our data provide evidence that the 11-lncRNA signature could serve as an independent prognostic indicator. This study also suggests that these 11 lncRNAs potentially participate in the progression of OVC.