Transcripto-based network analysis reveals a model of gene activation in tongue squamous cell carcinomas.

Background Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is the most common malignant tumor derived from the oral cavity, yet its specific molecular mechanisms have not been fully clarified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between potential genes and clinical features through constructing gene co-expression networks. Methods The weighted gene co-expression network analysis was used to construct gene co-expression networks and to identify candidate key modules and hub genes. The gene expression profiles of GSE31056 obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to construct co-expression networks. Results Five hub genes (FAP, AGTRAP, PLOD1, POSTN, and TSHZ3) were identified and validated at transcriptional levels. Moreover, the protein levels of these five hub genes were also found significantly higher in tumor tissues. Among them, FAP was most associated with immune infiltration. Conclusions These five candidate biomarkers and therapeutic targets are worthy of further investigation and discussion.