Screening and functional analysis of glioma‑related genes induced by candoxin

This study aimed to identify time-specific and common differential genes (CDGs) expressed in glioma cells following exposure to candoxin at three different time-points. Gene expression data from candoxin-treated human glioma (Hs 683) cells were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (accession number, GSE1682), from a 12-time-point set of samples. Differentially expressed genes were screened between control and candoxin-treated samples at different time-points, and three time-specific gene sets and CDGs were identified. All genes were subject to pathway enrichment analysis to gain further insight into gene function. CDGs were clustered based upon their original expression between 0 and 48 h, and, from this subset, feature genes were selected. Small molecules associated with candoxin were identified by comparing the expression pattern of the most valid candidate genes with that of differential genes exposed to small molecules in the Connectivity Map. From the 12-, 24- and 48-h time-points, 746, 265 and 539 differentially expressed genes were identified, respectively. A total of 129 genes were differentially expressed and significantly enriched in focal adhesion and gap junction pathways. From these, 11 feature genes and one marker gene (EPS8L1) were identified. Four small molecules that were most relevant to candoxin action were identified. In conclusion, it is hypothesized that candoxin stimulation can cause glial inflammation through mutations in cell adhesion activity. The EPS8L1 gene may be a valid marker for glioma diagnosis, and the four small molecules identified may be relevant for future drug design.