Bioinformatic analysis of important miRNA and Gene-Network analysis of FAT-1 gene, a key regulator of head and neck cancer.

Abstract

Introduction:Head and neck cancer is considered as the sixth worldwide leading cancer which are caused due to alcohol and tobacco use, radiation exposure, genetic disorders, etc. MicroRNA is small, single stranded RNA which contains 18-25 nucleotides plays a significant role in post-transcriptional regulation of genes. Commonly FAT-1 acts as tumor suppressor but abnormalities in this leads to development of tumors.

Aim : Analysis of important miRNA and Gene network analysis of FAT-1 gene , a key regulator of head and neck cancer.

Materials and methods: Prediction of microRNA targets for FAT - 1 gene in humans was carried out using Target-scan Human software program. miTG scores of ≥0.99 were identified using the Dianalab software program.  Gene network analysis of FAT - 1 was carried out by STRING database online server program. Target miRNAs were predicted using miRDB online server program.

Results: Bioinformatic analysis identified dysregulated miRNAs and hub genes associated with the FAT-1 signaling network, revealing significant involvement in cell proliferation, apoptosis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and metastatic pathways in head and neck cancer. Gene-network analysis demonstrated that FAT-1 interacts with multiple oncogenic and tumor-suppressive pathways, suggesting its central regulatory role in tumor progression. Important gene interactions with a combined score of ≥0.99 were considered and listed. miRNA targets with a target score of more than 95 were considered for further analysis.

Conclusion: The study of bioinformatic analysis of important miRNAs helps in understanding the involvement of the FAT-1 gene in head and neck cancer, where FAT-1 may act as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target due to its association with cancer-related miRNA regulation and molecular signaling pathways. Integrated miRNA and gene-network profiling further provides valuable insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying head and neck carcinogenesis.