Molecular pathways in glioblastoma-derived stem cells to identify effective drug agents: A bioinformatics study

Background and Aim: Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is considered as one of the malignant brain tumors that affect a wide range of people every year. Cancer stem cells, as essential factors, are resistant to chemotherapy drugs and complicate treatments. Therefore, finding critical molecular pathways in GBM-derived stem cells, and selecting the appropriate drug agents can prove more effective treatment approaches for GBM. Method: In this study, using RNA-Seq data, we performed continuous bioinformatics analyses and examined the up-and down-regulated genes from GBM-derived stem cells samples. Afterward, we separated the signaling pathways using the KEGG database and measured the protein interactions with the STRING database. Then, using the Drug matrix database, we nominated drugs that could affect these genes. Results: The first 20 pathways on tumorigenesis and 41 up-regulated and 73 down-regulated genes were selected. These genes were most active in the pathways involved in cell division, metabolism, cytoskeleton, cell adhesion molecules, and extracellular space. We then examined the candidate genes and the approach of the drugs that target these genes. Chlorambucil, cyclosporine A, doxorubicin, and etoposide were selected as the drug agents. Conclusion: Using integrated bioinformatics analyses, it was found that prominent genes in the cell cycle and cytoskeletal pathways are more expressed in cancer stem cells and that Chlorambucil, cyclosporine A, doxorubicin, and etoposide can be effective compounds to attenuate these cells.