Deciphering Candida’s Genomic Influence on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Bioinformatics Approach

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

Department of Oral Pathology & Oral Biology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, India, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, India.

Abstract

Background: Candida infection has been implicated in the progression of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC). Understanding the molecular pathways and gene interactions involved in this process could provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying OSCC development and identify potential therapeutic targets. This study utilizes bioinformatics tools to analyze the genes associated with Candida infection and its role in the possible progression of the disease. Objective: To investigate the gene networks, enriched biological pathways, and chromosomal loci implicated in the progression of OSCC resulting from Candida infection using bioinformatics approaches. Methodology: Genes associated with OSCC and Candida infection were analyzed using the STRING database to identify protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Enrichment analysis of biological pathways was conducted, focusing on key immune and inflammatory processes. Gene ontology (GO) terms and functional annotations were examined. Chromosomal mapping of enriched genes was performed to identify significant genomic regions. Data visualization was achieved through static signaling plots and network diagrams, representing fold enrichment of targeted pathways and chromosomal positioning. Results: The cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway exhibited the highest fold enrichment (~80-fold), indicating its significant role in immune modulation during OSCC progression. Other enriched pathways included viral protein interaction with cytokine receptors, cytosolic DNA-sensing pathways, and Th17 cell differentiation. Functional annotation revealed the involvement of macrophage proliferation, IL-33 signaling, and interferon responses, highlighting immune dysregulation in OSCC. Chromosomal mapping identified four enriched regions, primarily on chromosomes 2, 9, 12, and 16, indicating potential loci contributing to the disease’s molecular pathogenesis. Conclusion: The results suggest that immune signaling pathways, particularly cytokine-mediated interactions, play a critical role in Candida-mediated progression of OSCC. Chromosomal loci on chromosomes 2, 9, and 16 may harbor key genes involved in this process, potentially serving as targets for future therapeutic interventions. The findings further contribute to a deeper understanding of the immune-mediated mechanisms driving OSCC in the context of Candida infection.

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Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
Volume 27, Issue 1
January 2026
Pages 327-335

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History

  • Receive Date: 30 June 2025
  • Revise Date: 02 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 18 January 2026

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