Genetic Insights into Colorectal Cancer: Evaluating PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway Genes Expression

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Oncology
• Genetics

Background:

• The Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Protein Kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway is crucial for cellular functions and is frequently dysregulated in cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC).
• Understanding the molecular underpinnings of CRC development and progression is vital for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between the expression levels of key PI3K/AKT pathway genes (PIK3CA, PTEN, AKT1, FOXO1, FRAP) and clinicopathological/demographic characteristics in colorectal cancer.
• To compare gene expression in tumor tissues versus normal tissues and analyze the association with patient survival.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative analysis of gene expression for PIK3CA, PTEN, AKT1, FOXO1, and FRAP in 60 colorectal tumor tissues.
• Correlation analysis with clinicopathological data (age, tumor location, grade, neuroinvasion) and demographic characteristics.
• Bioinformatic comparison of gene expression between tumor and normal colon tissues.
• Relapse-free survival analysis based on gene expression levels.

Main Results:

• FOXO1 gene expression showed age-related variations (higher in patients ≥68 years) and was higher in rectal tumors compared to colon tumors.
• PTEN and PIK3CA gene expression potentially correlated with tumor grade and neuroinvasion.
• Bioinformatic analysis revealed downregulation of PTEN and FOXO1 in colorectal cancer tissues compared to normal tissues.
• Relapse-free survival analysis identified PTEN and FRAP as significant indicators of favorable outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The PI3K/AKT pathway genes exhibit differential expression patterns in colorectal cancer influenced by patient age and tumor location.
• PTEN and FOXO1 downregulation in tumors suggests their potential role as tumor suppressors in CRC.
• PTEN and FRAP expression levels may serve as prognostic biomarkers for relapse-free survival in colorectal cancer patients.