Key cell cycle genes in cervical cancer and their potential role in neuromuscular complications: a bioinformatics perspective.

Abstract

This study aimed to identify key cell cycle-related genes involved in cervical cancer progression using comprehensive bioinformatics analyses and to explore their potential implications in neuromuscular complications associated with cancer pathology or treatment. Gene expression profiles related to cervical cancer (GSE63514, GSE6791, GSE52903, and GSE9750) were retrieved from the GEO database. Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) distinguishing tumor tissues from normal tissues were determined through Venn diagram analysis. Functional enrichment was conducted via Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses. A Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database, and core hub genes were screened through Cytoscape. Validation of selected genes was performed using GEPIA. A total of 117 DEGs were identified, with 89 upregulated and 28 downregulated genes. In this case, five hub genes-CDK1, CCNA2, CDC20, TOP2A, and EXO1-displayed significant overexpression in cervical cancer tissues with p values lower than 0.05. It is noteworthy that CCNA2 was associated with increased tumor stage and worse Disease-Free Survival (DFS), and CDK1 with worse Overall Survival (OS). These genes play crucial roles in the regulatory circuits of the cell cycle, and their altered expression may impact a range of cellular processes beyond cancer, such as the neuromuscular signalling abnormalities seen in some patients with cervical cancer. The specific genes associated with the cell cycle can act as prognostic biomarkers and may also have an influence in mediating neuromuscular complications due to their impact on mitotic control and molecular signaling pathways throughout the body. This latter aspect is helpful for the prognosis of cancer, including cervical cancer, as well as for the multidisciplinary treatment of neuromuscular symptoms that some cervical cancer patients may have.