Matrix metalloproteinase 1: a better biomarker for squamous cell carcinoma by multiple microarray analyses.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to validate MMP1 role in the development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by bioinformatics methods. METHODS: Gene expression data of 10 GSE series (5 HNSCCs and 5 cSCCs) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). RESULTS: Higher expression of MMP1 was found rank number one in 9/10 GSE series of SCC. MMP1 was mainly focused on Gene Ontology (GO) terms of collagen catabolic process, extracellular matrix disassembly. The analysis results of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways mainly involved Rheumatoid arthritis, Bladder cancer and Pathways in cancer. Also, MMP1 was identified as a hub protein in the PPI network by using Cytoscape software. In addition, others MMPs members of family were analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that MMP1 may be pivotal to the transition from normal skin to premalignant lesions to SCC, thus representing a potential therapeutic target gene of diagnosis and prevention in SCC.