OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify potential biomarkers and elucidate molecular mechanisms in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by leveraging an integrated bioinformatics approach.

METHODS

We conducted high-throughput RNA sequencing on OSCC and adjacent normal tissues to profile mRNA and lncRNA expression. Differentially expressed genes were identified and subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. A competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were analyzed using STRING and Cytoscape software. Hub genes were identified using the Cytohubba plug-in in Cytoscape.

RESULTS

Our analysis identified 5362 differentially expressed mRNAs and 2801 differentially expressed lncRNAs. GO analysis revealed that dysregulated mRNAs were associated with system development and responses to organic substances. At the same time, lncRNAs were enriched in muscle system processes and cell-cell signaling. KEGG pathway analysis highlighted cancer-related pathways, including cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions and the NF-kappa B signaling pathway. The constructed ceRNA network highlighted key regulatory nodes, including hub genes IGF2BP1, CLDN6, and HLA-G, which may play pivotal roles in OSCC.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a comprehensive lncRNA-mRNA regulatory network and identifies biomarkers that could advance OSCC therapeutic strategies. The findings offer new insights into OSCC pathogenesis and potential targets for clinical application.