Integrative analysis reveals key molecular mechanisms and prognostic model for Ethylnitrosourea-induced gliomagenesis.

Background: Ethylnitrosourea (ENU) is a potent mutagen that induces gliomas in experimental models. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying ENU-induced gliomagenesis can provide insights into glioma pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.

Methods: We analyzed gene expression data from GSE16011 and GSE4290 datasets to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with gliomagenesis. Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) was used to identify potential ENU targets. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, enrichment analysis, and Cox regression analysis were employed to elucidate key genes and pathways. A risk model was constructed using the TCGA dataset by LASSO analysis, and nomogram and immuno-infiltration analyses were performed.

Results: We identified 71 common genes potentially in ENU-induced gliomas. Key hub genes, including TP53, MCL1, CCND1, and PTEN, were highlighted in the PPI network. Enrichment analysis revealed significant GO terms and KEGG pathways, such as "Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction" and "Glioma." A risk model based on 11 prognostic genes was constructed, effectively stratifying patients into low and high-risk groups, with significant differences in overall survival. The model demonstrated high predictive accuracy. The nomogram constructed from ENU-related risk scores showed good calibration and clinical utility. Immuno-infiltration analysis indicated higher immune cell infiltration in high-risk patients. Molecular docking suggested strong binding affinities of ENU with MGMT and CA12.

Conclusion: Our integrative analysis identified key genes and pathways implicated in ENU-induced gliomagenesis. The ENU-related risk model and nomogram provide significant prognostic value, offering potential tools for clinical assessment and targeted therapies in glioma patients.