DNA-methylated gene markers for colorectal cancer in TCGA database

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is characterized by the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations in neoplastic processes. DNA methylation, as an important epigenetic process, contributes to the development of CRC. In the present study, the epigenetic landscape of genes in CRC was characterized by analyzing the dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and 177 DNA-methylated genes were screened based on the criterion of the Pearson correlation (R) between expression and methylation levels being >0.4. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed prominent pathways, including transcription and metabolism, further implying their significant role in tumorigenesis. Among the methylated genes, only zinc finger protein (ZNF)726 with aberrant expression was determined to affect overall survival (OS) as well as disease-free survival of patients with CRC. In addition, ZNF726 was identified as an independent prognostic risk factor for OS in patients with CRC. The methylation-based regulation of ZNF726 expression in CRC cells was further assessed using the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia database. Finally, the CpG island methylation of the ZNF726 promoter was evaluated to further elucidate its role in the development of CRC. In conclusion, the epigenetic landscape of genes in terms of promoter methylation in CRC was characterized, revealing that aberrant expression of ZNF726 may be an independent prognostic risk factor for OS in patients with CRC.