Construction and validation of an ACTA2-based prognostic scoring model for colorectal adenocarcinoma

Xiao Che ¹, Wenwei Huang ², Yao Ying ³

⁰Department of General Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China; Department of Abdominal Hernia Surgery, Maoming People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Maoming 525000, China.

Translational Oncology +

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September 18, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study identifies ACTA2 as a potential biomarker for colorectal adenocarcinoma (COAD). High ACTA2 expression correlates with poor prognosis and immune interactions in COAD patients.

Area Of Science

Oncology
Molecular Biology
Genomics

Background

Colorectal adenocarcinoma (COAD) is a significant global health concern.
Identifying reliable biomarkers for COAD prognosis and treatment is crucial.

Purpose Of The Study

To construct and validate a clinical scoring model for COAD using ACTA2.
To investigate ACTA2 as a novel biomarker for COAD patient outcomes.

Main Methods

Utilized The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database for COAD data analysis.
Employed Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to explore ACTA2-associated biological processes.
Verified ACTA2 expression through in vitro experiments.

Main Results

ACTA2 was found to be downregulated in COAD tissues.
High ACTA2 expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis in COAD patients.
ACTA2 expression correlated with immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint genes, and tertiary lymphoid structure markers.
A negative correlation was observed between ACTA2 methylation and transcription levels.

Conclusions

The developed ACTA2-based clinical scoring model shows promise as a novel biomarker for COAD.
This model offers new insights for improving patient prognosis and potentially guiding therapeutic strategies.

Keywords:

ACTA2 ACTA2-based clinical scoring model COAD WGCNA