Exploring the Common Genetic Signature and Molecular Mechanisms Between Gastritis and Gastric Cancer: A bioinformatics-coupled Network Pharmacology Analysis

Abstract

Abstract Gastric cancer is a highly prevalent type of cancer among digestive system tumors. Early screening and intervention of gastric cancer can significantly improve the prognosis of patients. This paper aims to explore the driver genes associated with gastritis-gastric cancer progression and the therapeutic role of Chinese medicine based on bioinformatics analysis of microarray data. First, the microarray dataset GSE55696 of gastritis and gastric cancer was downloaded from the GEO database. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis was used to identify the gene modules associated with gastritis and gastric cancer. And the microarray dataset GSE130823 of gastritis and gastric cancer was downloaded for validation by differential gene analysis, and a total of 15 crossover genes were obtained. Second, the Kaplan-Meier plotter was used for survival analysis to determine the relationship between crossover genes and gastric cancer survival, resulting in CA1, CARNS1, CHAD, CLIC5, CXCL5, KRT6B, OSM, PEBP4, and RGL3 as biomarkers for the progression of chronic gastritis to early gastric cancer. Finally, the HERB database was used to search for compounds and herbs related to gastritis and gastric cancer progression, and to build a “target-compound-herb” network. And operating AutoDockTools 1.5.7 software for molecular docking of core components and core targets. Scopolamine alcohol, fraxetin, 6-aminopurine, citrulline and coumarin showed good docking activity with CA1, CARNS1, CXCL5, CHAD, and KRT6B. In conclusion, CA1, CARNS1, CHAD, CLIC5, CXCL5, KRT6B, OSM, PEBP4, and RGL3 may be used as biomarkers for the progression of chronic gastritis to early gastric cancer. Scopolamine, fraxetin, 6-aminopurine, citicoline, and coumarin may be novel agents against gastritis-gastric cancer progression.