Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2025
Using Multi-fluorinated Bile Acids and In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Measure Bile Acid Transport
Published on: November 27, 2016
Identification of Molecular Targets of Bile Acids Acting on Colorectal Cancer and Their Correlation with Immunity
Xi Yang1,2,3,4, Ping Li2, Jing Zhuang1,3,4
1Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital HuZhou University, No. 1558, Sanhuan North Road, Wuxing District, Huzhou, 313000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Bile acids (BAs) are closely related to the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer (CRC), but the specific mechanism is still unclear.
Aims:
To identify potential targets related to BAs in CRC and analyze the correlation with immunity.
Methods:
The expression of BAs and CRC-related genes in TCGA was studied and screened using KEGG. GSE71187 was used for external validation of differentially expressed genes. Immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and enzymatic cycling assays were used to detect the expression levels of the differentially expressed genes ki67 and BAs. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify genes associated with differential gene expression and immunity. The Cibersort algorithm was used to detect the infiltration of 22 kinds of immune cells in cancer tissues. The PPI network and ceRNA network were constructed to reveal the possible molecular mechanisms behind tumorigenesis.
Results:
The BA-related gene UGT2A3 is positively correlated with good prognoses in CRC. The expression level of UGT2A3 was negatively related to the BA level and positively related to the Ki67 proliferation index. The expression level of UGT2A3 was higher in the moderately differentiation and advanced stage (stage IV) of CRC. In addition, the expression level of UGT2A3 is correlated with CD8+ T cells. A PPI network related to UGT2A3 and T-cell immune-related genes was constructed. A ceRNA network containing 32 miRNA‒mRNA and 40 miRNA‒lncRNA regulatory pairs was constructed.
Conclusion:
UGT2A3 is a potential molecular target of bile acids in the regulation of CRC and is related to T-cell immunity.
Insights
Bile acids influence colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. The gene UGT2A3 is linked to better CRC prognosis and T-cell immunity, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Bile acids (BAs) play a role in colorectal cancer (CRC) development, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown.
- Understanding the molecular interplay between BAs and CRC is crucial for identifying novel therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify potential molecular targets associated with bile acids in colorectal cancer.
- To investigate the correlation between these targets and the tumor immune microenvironment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized TCGA and GSE71187 datasets to analyze gene expression related to bile acids and CRC.
- Employed Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and Cibersort algorithm to explore gene associations and immune cell infiltration.
- Constructed Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks to elucidate molecular mechanisms.
Main Results:
- The bile acid-related gene UGT2A3 showed a positive correlation with favorable prognoses in colorectal cancer.
- UGT2A3 expression was inversely related to bile acid levels and positively associated with the Ki67 proliferation index.
- UGT2A3 expression correlated with CD8+ T cell infiltration, indicating a link to T-cell immunity.
Conclusions:
- UGT2A3 emerges as a potential molecular target for bile acid-mediated regulation in colorectal cancer.
- UGT2A3 is implicated in T-cell immunity within the context of colorectal cancer, offering a novel therapeutic avenue.
