Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in many biological processes and
carcinogenesis. We aimed to explore
lncRNA-based pathogenesis, diagnostic
biomarkers, and predictive factors of malignant transformation from dysplasia to
oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Microarray data of GSE30784 consisting of 167 OSCC, 17 dysplasia, and 45 normal oral tissues were downloaded from the GEO database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and lncRNAs between the three samples were identified using R, followed by
lncRNA-
mRNA coexpression and coregulation network analysis for the prediction of
lncRNA target genes. Gene Ontology and Kyoto encydopedia of gene and genomes pathway analysis were performed to further characterize potential interactions. A total of 4462 DEGs and 76 differentially expressed lncRNAs were screened between the three groups, and 200 DEGs and only double homeobox A pseudogene 10 (DUXAP10) were screened among the three groups. A total of 1662 interactions of 46 lncRNAs and their coexpressed target genes were predicted, and 38 pairs of
lncRNA-
lncRNA coregulated 843 target genes. The coregulated target genes significantly enriched in
antigen adaptive immune response, activation of
phagocytosis receptor signaling, mast granule NF-κB
inflammation, etc. Overall, lncRNAs were differentially expressed in OSCC and dysplasia. The target genes might play an important role in the
carcinogenesis and development of OSCC. These results improve our understanding regarding the
lncRNA-based pathogenesis and identify some potential targets for early diagnosis of malignant transformation from dysplasia to OSCC.