Screening of key genes to identify the novel mechanism of osteosarcoma based on the analysis of gene expression profiles

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignancy of the bone. The aim of the present study was to identify the key genes to uncover the novel mechanism of OS at a molecular level. The differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) between the OS and control groups were identified by analyzing the GSE32395 microarray data using Student's t-test. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways and Gene Ontology enrichment analyses, including biological process, cellular component and molecular function categories, were performed using the online Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes and was visualized by Cytoscape. The 100 upregulated and 83 downregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in the glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis-chondroitin sulfate and cell adhesion molecules pathways, respectively. A PPI network with 51 nodes and 84 interactions was constructed. DEGs in the PPI network were significantly enriched in the glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis-chondroitin sulfate pathway, in the regulation of mitosis process and in microtubule motor activity function. Centromere-associated protein E (CENPE), protein regulator of cytokinesis 1 (PRC1), phosphotyrosine picked threonine-protein kinase (TTK) and polo-like kinase 4 (PLK4) exhibited a high degree of connectivity in the PPI network. The glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis-chondroitin sulfate pathway, the regulation of mitosis biology process and microtubule motor activity are crucial for the progression of OS. The interaction between CENPE and PRC1 may play a pivotal role in the progression of OS. The interaction of TTK with PLK4 may play a key role in the proliferation of OS cells. These genes may be potential biomarkers for OS diagnosis and therapy.