Biological Convergence of Cancer Signatures
2009

Understanding Cancer Signatures and Their Biological Implications

Sample size: 24 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Solé Xavier, Bonifaci Núria, López-Bigas Núria, Berenguer Antoni, Hernández Pilar, Reina Oscar, Maxwell Christopher A., Aguilar Helena, Urruticoechea Ander, de Sanjosé Silvia, Comellas Francesc, Capellá Gabriel, Moreno Víctor, Pujana Miguel Angel

Primary Institution: Catalan Institute of Oncology, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain

Hypothesis

Are the signatures of independent cancer studies related at the genome, transcriptome, or proteome levels?

Conclusion

The study found significant associations across molecular layers, suggesting a common cancer cell phenotype and highlighting the importance of cell proliferation and death in cancer prognosis and treatment response.

Supporting Evidence

  • Significant associations were observed across molecular layers.
  • Convergence on cell proliferation and death was noted.
  • Functional and molecular associations were identified with the immune response.
  • Independent cancer datasets corroborated the findings.
  • Common design principles and systems-level properties were revealed.

Takeaway

Different studies on cancer can show similar patterns even if they look at different genes, which helps us understand how cancer works and how to treat it better.

Methodology

The study evaluated cancer signatures from 24 independent studies, analyzing gene expression profiles and their associations at various molecular levels.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the selection of studies and the methodologies used in the original research.

Limitations

The study is limited by the number of cancer signatures analyzed and may not capture all relevant biological processes.

Participant Demographics

The study compiled data from various cancer types, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and others.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004544

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