Identification of co-expression hub genes for ferroptosis in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis and The Cancer Genome Atlas clinical data

Abstract

Renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is one of the most common tumors worldwide and has a high mortality rate. Ferroptosis is a major mechanism of tumor occurrence and development, as well as important for prognosis and treatment of KIRC. Here, we conducted bioinformatics analysis to identify KIRC hub genes that target ferroptosis. By Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), 11 co-expression-related genes were screened out. According to Kaplan Meier's survival analysis of the data from the gene expression profile interactive analysis database, it was identified that the expression levels of two genes, PROM2 and PLIN2, are respectively related to prognosis. In conclusion, our findings indicate that PROM2 and PLIN2 may be effective new targets for the treatment and prognosis of KIRC.