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Evaluating the Role of Mast Cells in Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Network Analysis Publisher



Moravvej H ; Arjmand B ; Razzaghi Z ; Rezaei M ; Rezaeitavirani M ; Rostaminejad M
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Source: Iranian Journal of Dermatology Published:2025


Abstract

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) accounts for approximately 80-90% of all skin cancer cases. Mast cells are believed to play a role in the development of BCC. This study aims to assess the mast cell gene expression profile in BCC through analysis of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Methods: Data were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and pre-evaluated using GEO2R. Significantly the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed through the STRING database with Cytoscape software version 3.10.1. The hub-bottleneck DEGs were identified via a directed PPI network. These key hub-bottleneck genes were compared with the BCC-related genes from GeneCards. The top-scored DEGs were selected and evaluated using scattered plots. Descriptions of the prominent genes were retrieved from the STRING database and discussed. Results: Among 1529 gene studied, 39 hub-bottlenecks were identified. Of these, 25 individuals were determined as critical genes through directed PPI analysis. Combining GeneCards analysis combined with directed PPI network evaluation led to 14 crucial DEGs. Finally, scatter plot analysis revealed that GAPDH, IL6, EGFR, HSP90AA1, JUN, NFKB1, STAT1, NFKBIA, and APP are the key dysregulated genes in mast cells in BCC. Conclusion: Dysregulation of prominent genes such as GAPDH, IL6, EGFR, and HSP90AA1 supports the protective role of the mast cells against BCC development. Conversely, the dysregulation of less central genes, including JUN, NFKB1, STAT1, and NFKBIA contributes to the promotion of BCC. © Iranian Journal of Dermatology.
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