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Evaluation of Genes and Molecular Pathways Involved in the Switch of Endometriosis to Ovarian Cancer: A Systems Biology Approach Publisher



Zarifi N1 ; Fateh A2 ; Fazeli R3 ; Ebadi Y4 ; Mezginejad F5 ; Etezadi A6 ; Dastyar F7
Authors

Source: Indian Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Published:2025


Abstract

Background: In this study, we investigated the genes and pathways associated with the progression of endometriosis to ovarian cancer (OC). Materials and Methods: We utilized the GenCLip3 and DisGeNET databases to identify genes related to OC and endometriosis. Protein–protein interaction analysis of the common genes was performed using the STRING database, and visualization was achieved through Cytoscape. The Cytohubba plugin of Cytoscape was employed to determine hub genes. Transcription factors (TFs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) targeting the hub genes were identified using the miRTarBase and ChEA databases, linked to the Enrichr software. Furthermore, we investigated and analyzed the hub genes associated with ovarian cancer risk using the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database. Results: Through the GenCLip3 and DisGeNET databases, we identified 311 genes shared between OC and endometriosis. Analysis of the protein–protein interaction network and hub gene identification revealed eight hub genes: STAT3, TP53, SRC, PIK3CA, JUN, CTNNB1, ESR1, and RELA. Among the miRNAs, hsa-miR-146a-5p exhibited the most interactions with the hub genes, while RELA showed the highest number of interactions among the TFs. Finally, our findings demonstrated that TP53, RELA, IL-6, and STAT3 exhibited the strongest correlations with ovarian cancer, as indicated by their high scores. Conclusion: In conclusion, the hub genes identified in this study are involved in the progression of endometriosis to OC. Understanding the associated upstream and downstream pathways can aid in the development of targeted treatment strategies and improve the survival outcomes for patients. © The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Association of Gynecologic Oncologists of India 2025.
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