Systemic Efficacy of Sirolimus via the ERBB Signaling Pathway in Breast Cancer
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
In the article, Shinuk Kim suggests a computational method using gene expression datasets induced by sirolimus identifying gene-gene interactions. Downloading two sirolimus-induced microarray gene expression datasets of breast cancer cell line MCF7 and using a computational method to obtain the most enriched pathway, the authors showed as RPS6KB1 was a target gene of sirolimus. The common gene interactions from two datasets were a hub gene, RPS6KB1, and 10 related genes (AKT3, CBLC, MAP2K7, 18
NRG1/2, PAK3, PIK3CD/G, PRKCG, and SHC3) in the epidermal growth factor (ERBB) signaling pathway.
The approach used is valid but the article should be expanded and validated through the use of other breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB for example) treated with sirolimus. However, the analysis is based solely on gene expression data. Given the computational nature of the article, no experimental demonstration is required however at least the effect on protein expression should also be investigated to some extent.
The figure quality should be improved as in reference 35
Author Response
- Given the computational nature of the article, no experimental demonstration is required however at least the effect on protein expression should also be investigated to some extent.
Author’s response: Thanks for the thoughtful comments. I agree with the reviewer. As mentioned by the reviewer, the nature of my study is computational. In our response to the comment, we added the following statement as a study limitation.
“This study has a limitation as follows; the current findings of our study remain to be experimentally confirmed. Caution is necessary in interpreting or determining the functional roles of rapamycin for the pathology of breast cancers.”
- The figure quality should be improved as in reference 35
Author’s response: The figures have been changed.
Reviewer 2 Report
Authors prepared a very interesting research involving on the systemic efficacy of rapamycin via the ERBB signaling pathway in breast cancer. The paper is clearly and well written. It can be accepted after some minor revision.
Some minor remarks and comments:
1. The numbering is confusing. 2.2.1. suggests that there will be another bullet. I would only leave the title: "2.2. Computational methods for obtaining pathway and gene interactions".
2. Figure 2 - The font should be slightly larger.
Author Response
Thanks for the thoughtful comments.
- The numbering is confusing. 2.2.1. suggests that there will be another bullet. I would only leave the title: "2.2. Computational methods for obtaining pathway and gene interactions".
Author’s response: Author removed 2.2.1 and changed “2.2. Computational methods for obtaining pathway and gene interactions” as reviewer suggested’
- Figure 2 - The font should be slightly larger.
Author’s response: Author made larger the figure2 fontsize.
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
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