Comprehensive analysis of an mRNA co-expression network and a ceRNA network reveals potential prognostic biomarkers in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent and aggressive oral cancer with a poor prognosis. Its polygenic risk is likely influenced by complex transcriptional disorders involving networks of co-expressed and functionally related genes, though such investigations are limited in OSCC. Methods We analyzed the GSE37991 dataset, comprising 40 OSCC and 40 normal oral tissue samples from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Tumor-specific modules were identified using weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), leading to the selection of hub mRNAs and lncRNAs. These lncRNAs were used to construct lncRNA–mRNA and competing endogenous RNA networks. We further examined the expression profiles and survival data of these genes from the Cancer Genome Atlas. Prognostic markers were identified and validated through 5-year survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards modeling. RT-qPCR was used to validate the expression levels in clinical OSCC tissues. Results We identified 1847 differentially expressed genes in OSCC tissues. WGCNA revealed four OSCC-specific modules, screening 120 hub mRNAs and five hub lncRNAs. Two prognostic markers (AQP5, IL-26) from hub mRNAs and three (FRMD5, INHBB, GUCY1A3) from the lncRNA–mRNA network were associated with survival. Validation showed lower expression of AQP5 and GUCY1A3, and higher expression of FRMD5 and INHBB in OSCC compared to normal tissues. Conclusion This study enhances our understanding of transcriptional dysregulation in OSCC and may highlights AQP5, IL-26, FRMD5, INHBB, and GUCY1A3 as promising prognostic biomarkers.