Gene network profiling in muscle-invasive bladder cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Urol Oncol. 2022 May;40(5):197.e11-197.e23. doi: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2021.11.003. Epub 2022 Jan 15.

Abstract

Background: Determining meta-analysis of transcriptional profiling of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) through Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets has not been investigated. This study aims to define gene expression profiles in MIBC and to identify potential candidate genes and pathways.

Objectives: To review and evaluate gene expression studies in MIBC through publicly available RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and microarray data in order to identify potential prognostic and therapeutic targets for MIBC.

Methods: A systematic literature search of the Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, and Wiley Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases was performed using the terms "gene," "gene expression," and "bladder cancer" January 1, 1990 through March 2021 focused on populations with MIBC.

Results: In the final analysis, GEO datasets were included. Fixed effect model was employed in the meta-analysis. Gene networking connections and gene-set functional analyses of the identified genes as differentially expressed in MIBC were performed using ImaGEO and GeneMANIA software. A heatmap for the upregulated and downregulated genes was generated along with the correlated pathways.

Conclusion: A total of 9 genes were reported in this analysis. Six genes were reported as upregulated (ProTα, SPINT1, UBE2E1, RAB25, KPNB1, HDAC1) and 3 genes as downregulated (NUP188, IPO13, NUP124). Genes were found to be involved in "ubiquitin mediated proteolysis," "protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum," "transcriptional misregulation in cancer," and "RNA transport" pathways.

Keywords: Bladder cancer; Gene expression; Muscle-invasive bladder cancer; Urothelial cancer.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Regulatory Networks
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscles
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Prognosis
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Rab25 protein, human
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins