Comprehensive analysis of clinical significance and potential molecular mechanism of PAX gene family in lung squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The paired box(PAX) gene family encodes a group of putative transcription factors and associates with pathogenesis and development of various cancers. However, the role of PAX gene family in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) remains largely unknown. This study aimed to explore its clinical significance and potential molecular mechanism in LUSC. Methods LUSC data was downloaded from TCGA and GEO database to analyze the correlation between PAX gene family and LUSC prognostic. The possible mechanism of PAX gene family acting on LUSC was explored via biological information annotation. The co-expression and interaction network analysis method were performed among PAX gene family and relative genes. Results Significant differential expression of PAX gene family was found between LUSC and normal tissues. Prominently, PAX9 showed the strongest diagnostic ability for LUSC. According to Cox model, PAX9 might be an independent prognostic factor of LUSC. GO and KEGG analysis suggested PAX gene family was related to transcription, DNA binding, etc. PAX9 co-expressed with the genes included KRT13, TMPRSS4, etc. and might act on LUSC through pathways such as MYC pathway, EIF pathway, etc. Conclusion PAX9 is expected as a potential target for the diagnosis and prognostic of LUSC.