The aim of the present study was to identify the target genes of
cediranib and the associated signaling pathways in
alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS). A microarray dataset (GSE32569) was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The R software package was used for data normalization and screening of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery was used to perform Gene Ontology analysis. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis was performed to obtain the up- and downregulated pathways in ASPS. The Distant Regulatory Elements of co-regulated genes database was used to identify the
transcription factors (TFs) that were enriched in the signaling pathways. A
protein-
protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/
Proteins database and was visualized using Cytoscape software. A total of 71 DEGs, including 59 upregulated genes and 12 downregulated genes, were identified. Gene sets associated with ASPS were enriched primarily in four signaling pathways: The
phenylalanine metabolism pathway, the
mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, the taste transduction pathway and the intestinal immune network for the production of
immunoglobulin A. Furthermore, 107 TFs were identified to be enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway. Certain genes, including those coding for
Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1,
kinase insert domain receptor,
E-selectin and
platelet-derived growth factor receptor D, that were associated with other genes in the PPI network, were identified. The present study identified certain potential target genes and the associated signaling pathways of
cediranib action in ASPS, which may be helpful in understanding the efficacy of
cediranib and the development of new targets for
cediranib.