Identification of Key Genes Involved in Carcinogenesis and Progression of Colon Cancer Based on Bioinformatics

Abstract

This study aimed to identify key genes associated with colon cancer development. Two datasets (GSE101502 and GSE20916) were obtained from the GEO database and subjected to online analysis. The mirDIP tool predicted target genes based on differentially expressed miRNAs in GSE101502. The DAVID database performed Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses on differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The PPI network of DEGs was constructed using the STRING database and visualized with Cytoscape software. From GSE101502, 21 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified, while GSE20916 yielded 921 DEGs. By intersecting the two datasets, 112 common DEGs (co-DEGs) were screened. GO analysis revealed that DEGs were involved in various biological processes, including extracellular matrix organization, kinase activity regulation, and cell-matrix adhesion. KEGG pathway analysis indicated their participation in cancer-related pathways, such as viral carcinogenesis and microRNAs in cancer. Nine hub genes were identified, namely CCNB1, XPO4, KIF1B, PLK4, KMT2A, EP300, ECT2, FBN1, and RB1. These hub genes are closely associated with colon cancer and hold potential as biomarkers for its diagnosis and prognosis.