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Candidate genes and potential mechanisms for chemoradiotherapy sensitivity in locally advanced rectal cancer
Chunsheng Li1, Changyong E2, Yangyang Zhou3
1Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China.
Abstract:
The aim of the present study was to investigate candidate genes for chemoradiotherapy (CRT) sensitivity in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), and the potential mechanisms of their action. A microarray dataset (GSE98959) was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database that included microRNA (miRNA, miR) expression profiling of 22 samples from patients with LARC who had received preoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Of these patients, 10 responded to the treatment and 12 did not. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified, followed by the construction of an miRNA-gene network. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) function analyses were performed on the target genes in the miRNA-gene network. Furthermore, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed on the basis of the target genes, followed by GO function enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis. A total of 30 DEMs were identified between the responder and non-responder groups. Thiamine metabolism (including miR-371a-3p) was the pathway with the highest enrichment of DEMs. The pathway that was most markedly enriched in the target genes of upregulated miRNAs was the pluripotency of stem cells pathway, as indicated by phosphoinositide-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase γ (PIK3CG) and anaphase-promoting complex subunit 2 (APC2). Pathways in cancer exhibited the highest enrichment in the set of target genes of downregulated miRNAs. KEGG pathway and GO function analysis indicated that target genes in the PPI network were enriched in the glioma pathway and assembled in the intracellular signaling cascade function, as indicated by the proto-oncogene NRAS. miR-371a-3p may be a candidate miRNA for CRT sensitivity in LARC via the thiamine metabolism pathway. PIK3CG and APC2 may contribute to CRT sensitivity via signaling pathways regulating the pluripotency of stem cells. Furthermore, NRAS may serve an important role in mediating CRT sensitivity via an intracellular signaling cascade.
Insights
This study identified 30 microRNAs linked to chemoradiotherapy sensitivity in locally advanced rectal cancer patients. miR-371a-3p and thiamine metabolism show promise for predicting treatment response.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is a standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).
- Predicting patient response to CRT remains a significant clinical challenge.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying CRT sensitivity is crucial for personalized treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify candidate microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with CRT sensitivity in LARC patients.
- To explore the potential molecular mechanisms and pathways involved in CRT response.
- To investigate the role of specific genes and pathways in predicting treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a microarray dataset (GSE98959) of miRNA expression from LARC patients who received preoperative CRT.
- Identified differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) between treatment responders and non-responders.
- Constructed miRNA-gene, protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, and performed KEGG pathway and GO function analyses.
Main Results:
- Identified 30 DEMs between responder and non-responder groups.
- Thiamine metabolism pathway, including miR-371a-3p, showed significant enrichment.
- Upregulated miRNA targets were enriched in stem cell pluripotency pathways (e.g., PIK3CG, APC2), while downregulated miRNA targets were enriched in cancer pathways, including the glioma pathway (e.g., NRAS).
Conclusions:
- miR-371a-3p may serve as a predictive biomarker for CRT sensitivity in LARC, potentially through the thiamine metabolism pathway.
- Genes like PIK3CG and APC2 might influence CRT sensitivity via stem cell pluripotency pathways.
- NRAS could play a role in mediating CRT sensitivity through intracellular signaling cascades.
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