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Published on: July 22, 2020
Clinical applications of gene expression in colorectal cancer
Elrasheid A H Kheirelseid1, Nicola Miller, Kah Hoong Chang
1Department of Surgery, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland.
Background:
Despite developments in diagnosis and treatment, 20% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients present with metastatic disease and 30% of cases recur after curative surgery. Furthermore, the molecular factors involved in prognosis and response to therapy in CRC is poorly understood. The aims of this study were to quantitatively examine the expression of target genes in colorectal cancer and to correlate their expression levels with clinico-pathological variables.
Methods:
A detailed analysis of published CRC microarray data was performed to identify the most prominent genes. The selected genes were validated in fifty-two pairs of fresh colorectal tumour and associated normal tissue specimens by RQ-PCR using TaqMan(®) assays. Statistical analysis and correlation with clinicopathological data was performed using SPSS software.
Results:
Expression levels of CXCL12 (P=0.000), CDH17 (P=0.026), MUC2 (P=0.000), L-FABP (P=0.000) and PDCD4 (P=0.000) were down regulated and IL8 (P=0.000) was upregulated in tumours compared to normal colorectal tissues. No significant differences were noted in expression of CEACAM5, CXCR4, CXCR7, TGFB1, TGFBR1 and TGFBR2. Furthermore, we found significant associations of gene expression levels and clinicopathological variables such as tumour size, grade, invasion and lymph node status.
Conclusions:
We identified a comprehensive list of genes with highly differential expression patterns in colorectal cancer that could serve as molecular markers to complement existing histopathological factors in diagnosis, follow up and therapeutic strategies for individualised care of patients.
Insights
Researchers identified key gene expression changes in colorectal cancer (CRC). Differential expression of genes like CXCL12, MUC2, and IL8 correlates with tumor characteristics, aiding in diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) frequently presents with metastatic disease or recurs after surgery.
- Molecular factors influencing CRC prognosis and treatment response remain poorly understood.
- Accurate molecular markers are needed for improved diagnosis and patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess the expression of specific genes in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues.
- To correlate gene expression levels with established clinicopathological variables.
- To identify potential molecular markers for CRC diagnosis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of published colorectal cancer (CRC) microarray data to identify key genes.
- Validation of gene expression using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RQ-PCR) on 52 tumor-normal tissue pairs.
- Statistical analysis correlating gene expression with clinicopathological data using SPSS software.
Main Results:
- Downregulation of CXCL12, CDH17, MUC2, L-FABP, and PDCD4 observed in tumors compared to normal tissues (P < 0.05).
- Upregulation of IL8 noted in tumors (P < 0.001).
- Significant associations found between gene expression levels and tumor size, grade, invasion, and lymph node status.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive list of differentially expressed genes in colorectal cancer (CRC) was identified.
- These genes show potential as molecular markers to supplement histopathological factors.
- Findings support the development of personalized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for CRC patients.
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