Bioinformatic analysis of MMP family members in GBM

Abstract

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most serious type of glioma with the highest tumorigenesis rate. Studies have found that the increased expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to tumor cell proliferation, anti-apoptosis, disseminated tumor growth, neovascularization, and anti-tumor immune surveillance inhibition. The prognostic value of the MMP gene family in different cancer types is becoming more apparent. As a result, the current study sought to perform a complete bioinformatics analysis to clarify the prognostic value of this family in GBM. Consequently, univariate, multivariate Cox, and time-dependent receiver operating curve analyses were performed on the data. Further, UALCAN, GEPIA2, cBioPortal, GeneMANIA, Enrichr, and TIMER were used for various analyses. We found that the mRNA expressions of MMP1/2/7/9/11/14/15/16/25 were all meaningfully upregulated in GBM relative to normal cases. Additionally, the overexpression of MMP2/10/11/13 and MMP1/9/10/14/19 was substantially linked to shorter overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS), respectively. Likewise, the high levels of MMP21 and MMP23B were correlated with longer OS and RFS, respectively. Our results provide new ideas for the role of MMPs in GBM, which may advance the use of MMPs as prognostic biomarkers in clinical applications.

Keywords

• Bioinformatics analysis
• Matrix metalloproteinses
• Glioblastoma multiforme
• Biomarker
• Prognosis
• Immune infiltration