Identification of critical genes and biological signaling for metformin treated liver cancer

Liver cancer is a leading source of cancer-related mortality in the world. A number of studies have shown the correlation of metformin treatment with a decrease in cancer risk. However, the relevant molecules and mechanisms are not clear during the treatment. In this study, our aim is to identify the significant molecules and signaling pathways in the treatment of metformin in liver cancer cells by analyzing the RNA sequence. The GSE190076 dataset was created by performing the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 (Homo sapiens). The KEGG and GO analyses indicated that DNA synthesis and cell cycle are the main processes during the treatment of metformin. Moreover, we determined numerous genes including RRM2, CDC6, CDC45, UHRF1, ASF1B, ZWINT, PCNA, ASPM, MYC, and TK1 by using the PPI network. Therefore, our study may guide the clinical work on the treatment of liver cancer by using metformin.