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Four targeted genes for predicting the prognosis of colorectal cancer: A bioinformatics analysis case

Qinglai Bian1, Jiaxu Chen1,2, Wenqi Qiu1

  • 1School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P.R. China.

Oncology Letters
|October 16, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Bioinformatics analysis identified four key genes—CEACAM7, SLC4A4, GCG, and CLCA1—as potential prognostic markers for colorectal cancer (CRC). Low expression of these genes, particularly CEACAM7, indicates a poorer prognosis in CRC patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Bioinformatics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The molecular underpinnings of colorectal cancer (CRC) development and progression remain incompletely understood.
  • Identifying novel therapeutic targets and prognostic indicators is crucial for improving CRC patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify key genes associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) prognosis and therapeutic potential.
  • To leverage bioinformatics analysis for discovering novel biomarkers in CRC.

Main Methods:

  • Downloaded and analyzed four gene expression datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database.
  • Performed differential gene expression analysis to identify upregulated and downregulated genes.
  • Constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and utilized network analysis metrics (degree, betweenness, closeness centrality) to identify key genes.
  • Conducted Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA).
  • Performed survival analysis to correlate gene expression levels with patient prognosis.

Main Results:

  • Identified 19 upregulated and 34 downregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in colorectal cancer (CRC).
  • Discovered four key genes—carcinoembryonic antigen related cell adhesion molecule 7 (CEACAM7), solute carrier family 4 member 4 (SLC4A4), glucagon (GCG), and chloride channel accessory 1 (CLCA1)—associated with unfavorable CRC prognosis.
  • Found that low expression of CEACAM7, SLC4A4, GCG, and CLCA1 correlates with poorer survival outcomes in CRC patients.
  • Observed significant enrichment of specific pathways, including glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis-chondroitin sulfate and extracellular matrix receptor interaction, in the CEACAM7 low-expression group.

Conclusions:

  • CEACAM7, SLC4A4, GCG, and CLCA1 represent potential prognostic markers or therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer (CRC).
  • Low expression of CEACAM7 may influence CRC prognosis through its association with specific molecular pathways.
  • Further investigation into these identified genes could lead to advancements in CRC diagnostics and treatment strategies.
Keywords:
bioinformaticscolorectal cancergenesprognosis

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