Single cell RNA-seq analysis with a systems biology approach to recognize important differentially expressed genes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma compared to adjacent non-cancerous samples by targeting pancreatic endothelial cells

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a cancer that is usually diagnosed at late stages. This highly aggressive tumor is resistant to most therapeutic approaches, necessitating identification of differentially expressed genes to design new therapies. Herein, we have analyzed single cell RNA-seq data with a systems biology approach to identify important differentially expressed genes in PDAC samples compared to adjacent non-cancerous samples. Our approach revealed 1462 DEmRNAs, including 1389 downregulated DEmRNAs (like PRSS1 and CLPS) and 73 upregulated DEmRNAs (like HSPA1A and SOCS3), 27 DElncRNAs, including 26 downregulated DElncRNAs (like LINC00472 and SNHG7) and 1 upregulated DElncRNA (SNHG5). We also listed a number of dysregulated signaling pathways, abnormally expressed genes and aberrant cellular functions in PDAC which can be used as possible biomarkers and therapeutic targets in this type of cancer.

Keywords: Endothelial cell; LncRNA; MiRNA; Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC); ScRNA-seq.