Abstract
Background: T-box transcription factor 3 (TBX3) has been implicated in various malignant tumors, while its exact involvement in osteosarcoma (OS) remains unknown. Methods: Utilizing microarray data and bulk and single-cell RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR, we compared TBX3 mRNA expression levels in different stages of OS. Diagnostic ability testing and prognosis analysis were conducted to better understand the clinical importance of TBX3. Enrichment analysis was performed using gene groups with biological functions similar to TBX3 in different stages of OS to investigate the potential role of TBX3 in OS progression. In addition, we predicted medications targeted at TBX3 and identified downstream target genes to gain a comprehensive understanding of its therapeutic direction and regulatory mechanism. Results: TBX3 expression was highly upregulated in OS and was predominantly expressed in osteoblastic OS cells, with higher expression levels in metastatic tissues. TBX3 expression appeared somewhat suitable for discriminating between OS and normal samples, as well as different stages of OS. We found that TBX3 increased the malignant development of OS by altering cell cycle and cell adhesion molecules; exisulind and tacrolimus, which are targeted small-molecule medicines, were anticipated to counteract this dysregulation. The expression of CCNA2 could potentially be regulated by TBX3, contributing to OS advancement. Conclusion: TBX3 emerges as a potential biomarker for OS. In-depth research into its underlying molecular processes may offer new perspectives on treating OS.