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Updated: Mar 21, 2026
06:52
Discovery of Driver Genes in Colorectal HT29-derived Cancer Stem-Like Tumorspheres
Published on: July 22, 2020
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Genes, environment and gene expression in colon tissue: a pathway approach to determining functionality.
Martha L Slattery1, Daniel F Pellatt1, Roger K Wolff1
1Department of Internal Medicine, 383 Colorow, University of Utah School of Medicine Salt Lake, USA.
Summary
Lifestyle and genetic factors interact to influence colon cancer risk by altering gene expression. This study confirms these interactions impact key pathway genes, highlighting the need to consider both elements for cancer prevention.
Area of Science:
- Genomics and Cancer Research
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Gene-Environment Interactions
Background:
- Cancer risk is influenced by a complex interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental exposures.
- Previous studies identified gene-environment interactions associated with colon cancer risk, but their impact on gene expression remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether previously identified gene-lifestyle interactions associated with colon cancer risk alter gene expression within a candidate pathway.
- To analyze the relationship between specific lifestyle factors (smoking, diet, BMI, NSAID use) and genetic variations (SNPs) on gene expression in colon cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of non-tumor RNA-sequencing data from 144 colon cancer patients.
- Inclusion of patient data on genotype, smoking, diet, BMI, and NSAID use.
- Differential gene expression analysis using DESeq2, with a false discovery rate of 0.1, to assess gene expression changes related to lifestyle and genotype.
Main Results:
- Thirteen pathway genes and 17 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within these genes were linked to altered expression of other genes in the pathway.
- Body mass index (BMI), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, and dietary components of the oxidative balance score (OBS) were associated with altered gene expression.
- Specific interactions were observed: NSAIDs with 10 genes (15 SNPs) affecting 28 genes; smoking with 7 genes (9 SNPs) affecting 27 genes; BMI with 6 genes affecting 8 genes; and OBS with 3 genes (5 SNPs) affecting 12 genes.
Conclusions:
- The study provides evidence that previously identified gene-lifestyle interactions associated with colon cancer risk do alter the expression of key pathway genes.
- These findings underscore the importance of considering both genetic and lifestyle factors concurrently when evaluating colon cancer risk and developing prevention strategies.
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