Different potential mitochondrial drug targets in oral carcinogenesis

A Systematic Approach through Bio-computational Intervention

Abstract

Aim: To identify the genes associated with mitochondria in oral carcinogenesis by using bioinformatics approach.

Methods: This study involves identification of the mitochondria genes in oral carcinogenesis by using bioinformatics approach, including gene ontology, pathway analysis, network construction and centrality and module analyses.

Results: We have identified 30 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 11 were up-regulated and 19 were down-regulated in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). With the help of bio-computational approach, we have identified CASP3, BID, DIABLO, BCL2L11 (BAM, BID, BOD), BCL-XL, TP53, CASP7, CASP8, BCL2, MCL1, APAF1, CASP9, CASP2, BAX, AKT1 and CASP10 genes which are associated with mitochondria in OSCC.

Conclusions: CASP3, BID, DIABLO, BCL2L11 (BAM, BID, BOD), BCL-XL, TP53, CASP7, CASP8, BCL2, MCL1, APAF1, CASP9, CASP2, BAX, AKT1 and CASP10 genes are potential mitochondrial associated drug targets. Their mutual interaction might yield a model that can be used in diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer at an early stage.