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Updated: Apr 6, 2026
Discovery of Driver Genes in Colorectal HT29-derived Cancer Stem-Like Tumorspheres
Published on: July 22, 2020
In-depth analysis of the critical genes and pathways in colorectal cancer
Fuguo Liu1, Fengzhi Ji1, Yuling Ji2
1Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China.
Abstract:
The present study aimed to investigate the molecular targets for colorectal cancer (CRC). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened between CRC and matched adjacent noncancerous samples. GENETIC_ASSOIATION_DB_DISEASE analysis was performed to identify CRC genes from the identified DEGs using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery, followed by Gene Οntology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis for the CRC genes. A protein‑protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed for the CRC genes, followed by determination and analysis of the hub genes, in terms of the protein domains and spatial structure. In total, 35 CRC genes were determined, including 19 upregulated and 16 downregulated genes. Downregulated N‑acetyltransferase (NAT)1 and NAT2 were enriched in the caffeine metabolism pathway. The downregulated and upregulated genes were enriched in a number of GO terms and pathways, respectively. Cyclin D1 (CCND1) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were identified as the hub genes in the PPI network. The C‑terminal and N‑terminal domains were similar in PCNA, but different in CCND1. The results suggested PCNA, CCND1, NAT1 and NAT2 for use as biomarkers to enable early diagnosis and monitoring of CRC. These results form a basis for developing therapies, which target the unique protein domains of PCNA and CCND1.
Insights
Researchers identified key molecular targets for colorectal cancer (CRC) by analyzing gene expression differences. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Cyclin D1 (CCND1) emerged as crucial biomarkers for CRC detection and potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health challenge.
- Identifying novel molecular targets is crucial for improving CRC diagnosis and treatment.
- Understanding gene expression patterns in CRC is essential for discovering biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential molecular targets for colorectal cancer (CRC).
- To identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between CRC and adjacent noncancerous tissues.
- To analyze the functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction networks of CRC-related genes.
Main Methods:
- Differential gene expression analysis between tumor and normal tissues.
- Bioinformatic analysis including GENETIC_ASSOIATION_DB_DISEASE, Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG).
- Construction and analysis of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network to identify hub genes and their domains.
Main Results:
- Identified 35 differentially expressed genes in CRC (19 upregulated, 16 downregulated).
- Discovered N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) and N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) as downregulated genes involved in caffeine metabolism.
- Identified Cyclin D1 (CCND1) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) as key hub genes with distinct domain characteristics.
Conclusions:
- PCNA, CCND1, NAT1, and NAT2 show promise as biomarkers for early CRC diagnosis and monitoring.
- The identified hub genes and their unique protein domains offer potential targets for novel CRC therapies.
- This study provides a foundation for developing targeted therapeutic strategies against CRC.
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