AUTHOR=Liu Huaifeng , Gao Yu , Hu Shangshang , Fan Zhengran , Wang Xianggang , Li Shujing 

TITLE=Bioinformatics Analysis of Differentially Expressed Rhythm Genes in Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Genetics

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2021

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/genetics/articles/10.3389/fgene.2021.680528

DOI=10.3389/fgene.2021.680528

ISSN=1664-8021

ABSTRACT=Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), a malignant tumor with high incidence and mortality, is one of the most common cancers in the world. Multiple studies have found that aberrant expression of rhythm genes is closely related to the occurrence of LIHC. This study aimed to use bioinformatics analysis to identify differentially expressed rhythm genes (DERGs). A total of 563 DERGs were found in LIHC, including 265 down-regulated genes and 298 up-regulated genes. KEGG pathway enrichment and GO analyses showed that DERGs were significantly enriched in rhythmic and metabolic processes. Survival analysis showed that high expression levels of CNK1D, CSNK1E, NPAS2 were significantly associated with the low survival rate of LIHC patients. Through cell experiment verification, the levels of CSNK1D, CSNK1E and NPAS2 mRNAs were strongly upregulated, which is consistent in LIHC patient samples through bioinformatics analysis. Clinical correlation analyses showed CSNK1D, CSNK1E, and NPAS2 expression were high-risk factors and independently connected with the overall survival of LIHC patients. In conclusion, the identified DERGs contribute to the exploration of the molecular mechanisms of LIHC occurrence and development, and may be used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and molecular targets for the Chronotherapy of LIHC patients in the future.