Common and differential features of liver and pancreatic cancers: molecular mechanism approach

AIM: The aim of this study was to introduce biomarkers commonly involved in pancreatic cancer metastasis to the liver. BACKGROUND: The liver is affected by metastatic disease in pancreatic cancer. METHODS: Two cancer biomarkers were distinguished through a STRING database protein query. The dysregulated proteins of the two cancers were included in 2 networks drawn by Cytoscape software v 3.2.7. 20 top nodes and achieved by the Network analyzer application of Cytoscape based on degree value. The common hub nodes were determined, and action maps were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 20 hubs of each studied cancer, 18 common hub nodes (90% of hubs) were identified and screened by action maps. Four proteins, AKT1, CDKN2A, ERBB2, and IL6, were identified as common central proteins related to the two studied diseases. CONCLUSION: AKT1, CDKN2A, ERBB2, and IL6 are common protein core of liver and pancreatic cancers, while STAT3, CASP3, NOTCH1, and CTNNB1 are possible differential proteins to discriminate these cancers.