In the PPI network, BRCA1, CDK1, TK1 and TRAF2 were hub protein of signature genes in cluster 5, and TGFBR1, SMAD2 and SMAD4 were hub proteins of signature gnens in cluster 2.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Our findings raise the possibility that genes related with cell cycle and dysregulated miRNA at diagnosis might have clinical utility in distinguishing low- from high-risk PCa patients.<h4>Virtual slides</h4>The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/13000_2014_156. Here, SMAD4 is linked to posterior cortical atrophy.