Transcriptomic profile of the immune genes, oncogenes, and tumor suppressor genes in HPV associated Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia 3 (CIN 3) and Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma (CSCC): Comparable expressions indicative of invasive potential.

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with a woman dying every 2 min. Despite the need to understand the tumor microenvironment (TME) transcriptome of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN 3), studies remain limited. This study compares the TME transcriptome of HPV-positive CSCC and CIN 3, analyzing 168 genes involved in tumor cell interactions with inflammatory and immune mediators, transcription, signal transduction, oncogenesis, tumor suppression, angiogenesis, and apoptosis. Co-expressed genes identified in HPV + CSCC and CIN 3 were analyzed using computational biology. Gene Ontology and KEGG enrichment identified relevant biological pathways and cancer hallmarks. Fifty-five co-expressed genes were linked to cancer pathways, inflammatory responses, cell migration, and development. KEGG enrichment highlighted viral protein interactions involving cytokines, IL-17 signaling, and chemokine receptor interactions. These genes were associated with cancer hallmark pathways, including angiogenesis, inflammation, proliferation, genomic instability, invasion, and metastasis. Their similar expression in CSCC and CIN 3 suggests a potential prognostic value and that CIN 3 progression may involve changes in gene expression. We propose the term "CSCC-like carcinoma," indicating CIN 3's increased invasive potential at the molecular level.