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Updated: Sep 13, 2025
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Molecular Profiling of the Invasive Tumor Microenvironment in a 3-Dimensional Model of Colorectal Cancer Cells and Ex vivo Fibroblasts
Published on: April 29, 2014
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Decoding Molecular Interactions: Unraveling the Crosstalk between the Wnt Pathway and Key Signaling Networks by miRNA
Alireza Pasdar1,2, Pouria Abidi3, Forouzan Amerizadeh4,5
1Department of Neurology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention : APJCP
|July 29, 2025
Summary
Dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) targeting the Wnt pathway drive colorectal cancer (CRC). Identifying key hub proteins offers new therapeutic targets for CRC treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) development is significantly impacted by microRNAs (miRNAs) that dysregulate the Wnt signaling pathway.
- Understanding miRNA-Wnt pathway interactions is crucial for developing novel CRC therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key genes and proteins involved in miRNA-regulated Wnt signaling in CRC.
- To explore potential therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer based on these interactions.
Main Methods:
- Compiled a list of genes affected by dysregulated miRNAs targeting the Wnt pathway.
- Constructed protein-protein interaction networks and identified hub proteins using network analysis algorithms.
- Performed gene ontology, KEGG enrichment, CytoCluster, and promoter motif analyses.
Main Results:
- Identified 15 central hub proteins, including EP300, NRAS, NF1, CCND1, SMAD4, and PIK3CA, through network analysis.
- Enriched hub proteins in critical biological processes and cancer-related pathways.
- Discovered dysregulated miRNA-targeted gene clusters and regulatory elements influencing hub protein expression.
Conclusions:
- The identified hub proteins represent promising therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer.
- These findings provide a foundation for developing targeted interventions to improve CRC treatment outcomes.
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