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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
06:52
Discovery of Driver Genes in Colorectal HT29-derived Cancer Stem-Like Tumorspheres
Published on: July 22, 2020
A gene expression classifier of node-positive colorectal cancer
Paul F Meeh1, Christopher L Farrell, Randal Croshaw
1Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
Neoplasia (New York, N.Y.)
|October 2, 2009
Summary
Researchers identified gene expression differences between colorectal tumors. A seven-gene classifier accurately distinguishes node-negative from node-positive tumors, aiding in advanced colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Genomics
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents varying prognoses based on lymph node metastasis.
- Accurate discrimination between node-negative and node-positive tumors is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify gene expression profiles differentiating node-negative and node-positive colorectal tumors.
- To develop a predictive classifier for tumor staging.
- To explore the functional role of key genes in colorectal cancer progression.
Main Methods:
- Digital long serial analysis of gene expression (dLSAGE) was employed to compare gene expression in two initial colorectal tumors.
- Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) validated differential gene expression.
- A logistic regression model was developed and optimized using a panel of 23 additional tumors.
Main Results:
- 262 differentially expressed tags were identified between node-negative and node-positive tumors.
- 12 genes were found to be upregulated in node-positive tumors.
- A seven-gene classifier achieved 86% sensitivity and 80% specificity in discriminating tumor types, with an AUC of 0.86.
- Fibronectin (FN1) manipulation affected colorectal cancer cell invasion and migration in vitro.
Conclusions:
- Elevated epithelial Fibronectin 1 (FN1) expression is implicated in the development of node-positive colorectal cancer.
- The developed seven-gene classifier shows promise for diagnosing advanced colorectal cancer.
- These findings suggest novel therapeutic targets for advanced colorectal cancer.
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