gene expression microarray data meta-analysis identifies candidate genes and molecular mechanism associated with clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Objective: we aimed to explore potential molecular mechanisms of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccrcc) and provide candidate target genes for ccrcc gene therapy. material and methods: this is a bioinformatics-based study. microarray datasets of gse6344, gse781 and gse53000 were downloaded from gene expression omnibus database. using meta-analysis, differentially expressed genes (degs) were identified between ccrcc and normal samples, followed by kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (kegg) pathway and gene ontology (go) function analyses. then, protein-protein interaction (ppi) networks and modules were investigated. furthermore, mirnas-target gene regulatory network was constructed. results: total of 511 up-regulated and 444 down-regulated degs were determined in the present gene expression microarray data meta-analysis. these degs were enriched in functions like immune system process and pathways like toll-like receptor signaling pathway. ppi network and eight modules were further constructed. a total of 10 outstanding degs including tyro protein tyrosine kinase binding protein (tyrobp), interferon regulatory factor 7 (irf7) and pparg co-activator 1 alpha (ppargc1a) were detected in ppi network. furthermore, the mirnas-target gene regulation analyses showed that mir-412 and mir-199b respectively targeted irf7 and ppargc1a to regulate the immune response in ccrcc. conclusion: tyrobp, irf7 and ppargc1a might play important roles in ccrcc via taking part in the immune system process.