Small Nucleolar RNA and Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene Signatures as Biomarkers for Pancreatic Cancer

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to identify key molecules including small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) and small nucleolar RNA host genes (SNHGs) involved in pancreatic cancer.Methods: First, we screened the differentially expressed snoRNAs (DEsnoRNAs) and trend-related snoRNAs based on the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) dataset for pancreatic cancer, and then performed methylation correlation analysis, survival analysis, and extraction of snoRNA host genes for Gene ontology (GO) functional and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Next, DESNHGs and trend-related SNHGs were screened according to the TCGA dataset for pancreatic cancer, and a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed for pathway and functional enrichment analysis. Results: A total of eight DEsnoRNAs and 93 trend-related snoRNAs were extracted. Then, ten host genes of the snoRNAs were identified. Functional analysis suggested that the ten host genes were significantly enriched in several GO terms including mitotic chromosome condensation and endocytosis pathway. SNORA38B was considered to associate with survival and prognosis. The SNORD17 and SNORA11 were considered to negatively correlate with methylation. In addition, two trend-related SNHGs were extracted. Additionally, a ceRNA network was constructed with 11 miRNAs, one lncRNAs, and one mRNA. SNHG24 mainly correlated with GnRH secretion and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction in pancreatic cancer. Conclusion: The identified snoRNAs and SNHGs could serve as potential markers for the early detection of pancreatic cancer.