Identification of Potential miRNAs-mRNAs Regulatory Network From CHB to HCC Based on Bioinformatic Analysis

Abstract Background: A hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the major risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in China. Altered expression of miRNAs has been observed in tumors. Our study aimed to identify potential microRNAs (miRNA)-messenger RNAs (mRNAs) regulatory pathways contributing to the pathogenesis of HBV-related HCC.Methods: Microarray GSE67882 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. GEO2R was used to conduct differential expression analysis. Functional enrichment of differentially-expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) and pathway analyses of HCC were revealed. Target genes of DE-miRNAs were predicted by miRTarBase. Furthermore, miRNA-gene networks were constructed. The prognostic roles of screened differentially-expressed miRNAs in HCC were further evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier plotter database. Results: A total of 24 upregulated and 21 downregulated DE-miRNAs were accessed. EGFR, MYC and MDM2 may be key targets involved in the occurrence and development of HBV-related HCC whereas hsa-miR-21 and hsa-let-7f-1 may be two potential regulators involved in the occurrence and development of HBV-related HCC. Conclusions: In this study, potential miRNA-mRNA regulatory pathways were identified and screened and hsa-miR-21 and hsa-let-7f-1 may play a significant role in the underlying pathogenesis from chronic hepatitis B (CHB) to HBV-related HCC.