Identification of Specific Modules and Hub microRNAs Related to Osteosarcoma by Weighted microRNA Co-Expression Network Analysis
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant tumor with high morbidity and poor prognosis, especially for patients with metastasis. New therapeutic approaches are extremely needed. MicroRNAs can affect manykey biological processes, including the development and progression of complex diseases, such as OS. Here we identified specific modules and hub microRNAs related to OS through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). A module consisting of 72 microRNAs were found to be highly related to OS and 22 of them have been reported as deregulatedmicroRNAs in OS patients which play a role in OS tumorigenesis, development or prognosis. Then the target genes of the microRNAs were predicted and the functional enrichment analysis was performed on these genes. This study will provide a more clear understanding for facilitating the characterization and identification of new biomarkers and treatment for patients with OS by targeted miRNA.