Integration of statistical models and visualization tools to characterize microRNA networks influencing cancer

Few consistent biomarkers of cancer survival have been reported. The identification of reliable expression biomarkers requires the simultaneous consideration of microRNAs (miRNA), and associated transcription factors (TFs) and target genes. A novel approach that integrates multivariate survival analysis, feature selection and regulatory network visualization was used to identify reliable biomarkers of ovarian cancer. Expression (799 miRNA and 17,814 TF and target genes) and clinical information on 272 patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer was analyzed. Overall survival was associated (P-value < 0.05) with 16 miRNA, 49 TF and 801 target genes. Among the miRNA, 11 have been associated with ovarian cancer in previous studies and 2 have been associated with other cancers.