Network Analysis of microRNAs, Genes and their Regulation in Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Abstract

The pathogenesis of mantle cell lymphoma, a special subtype of lymphoma that is invasive and indolent andhas a median survival of 3 to 4 years, is still partially unexplained. Much research about genes and miRNAshas been conducted in recent years, but interactions and regulatory relations of genetic elements which mayplay a vital role in genesis of MCL have attracted only limited attention. The present study concentrated onregulatory relations about genes and miRNAs contributing to MCL pathogenesis. Numerous experimentallyvalidated raw data were organized into three topology networks, comprising differentially expressed, associatedand global examples. Comparison of similarities and dissimilarities of the three regulating networks, pairedwith the analysis of the interactions between pairs of elements in every network, revealed that the differentiallyexpressed network illuminated the carcinogenicity mechanism of MCL and the related network further describedthe regulatory relations involved, including prevention, diagnosis, development and therapy. Three kinds ofregulatory relations for host genes including miRNAs, miRNAs targeting genes and genes regulating miRNAswere concluded macroscopically. Regulation of the differentially expressed miRNAs was also analyzed, in termsof abnormal gene expression affecting the MCL pathogenesis. Special regulatory relations were uncovered. Forexample, auto-regulatory loops were found in the three topology networks, key pathways of the nodes beinghighlighted. The present study focused on a novel point of view revealing important influencing factors for MCLpathogenesis.