Abstract
Background and Objectives: Osteosarcoma, the most prevalent malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents, presents a complex pathogenesis characterized by various genetic and epigenetic alterations. This study aims to identify key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in pediatric osteosarcoma, with a focus on those influencing metastasis and patient survival. Materials and Methods: We utilized the GSE33382 dataset from the GEO database for a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis. This included a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, Cox regression, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to identify central DEGs associated with osteosarcoma metastasis and patient survival. Results: Our analysis identified 88 DEGs related to osteosarcoma metastasis. Among them, three survival-related central DEGs-C1QA, CD74, and HLA-DMA-were significantly linked to patient outcomes. Further correlation analysis established a strong relationship between these genes, tumor mutation burden (TMB), immune checkpoint gene expression, and overall survival. Notably, C1QA and CD74 exhibited higher expression in non-metastatic osteosarcoma cases, suggesting a potential role in disease progression. Conclusions: The identified DEGs, particularly C1QA, CD74, and HLA-DMA, may serve as critical biomarkers for pediatric osteosarcoma prognosis and potential targets for immunotherapy. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the molecular landscape of osteosarcoma and open new avenues for therapeutic intervention.