Abstract
Background Characterization of the features associated with circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is one of major interests for predicting clinical outcome of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. However, the molecular features of CTCs remain largely unclear. Methods For identification of key genes and pathways, GSE31023, contained CTCs from six metastatic CRC patients and three controls, was retrieved for differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis. Protein-protein interaction networks of DEGs were constructed. Hub genes from the network were prognostic analyzed, as well as the association with tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Results 1353 DEGs were identified between the CTC and control groups, with 403 genes upregulated and 950 downregulated. 32 pathways were significantly enriched in KEGG, with ribosome pathway as top. The top 10 hub genes were included, including eukaryotic translation elongation factor 2 (EEF2), ribosomal protein S2 (RPS2), ribosomal protein S5 (RPS5), ribosomal protein L3 (RPL3), ribosomal protein S3 (RPS3), ribosomal protein S14 (RPS14), ribosomal protein SA (RPSA), eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 1 (EEF1A1), ribosomal protein S15a (RPS15A), and ribosomal protein L4 (RPL4). The correlation between CD4+ T cells and RPS14 (correlation = −0.5) was the highest in colon cancer while CD8+ T and RPS2 (correlation = −0.53) was the highest in rectal cancer. Conclusion This study identified potential role of ribosome pathway in CTC, providing further insightful therapeutic targets and biomarkers for CRC.
Highlights
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major digestive malignancies in the world
gene ontologies (GOs):0006614~SRP−dependent cotranslational protein targeting to membrane GO:0006613~cotranslational protein targeting to membrane GO:0045047~protein targeting to ER
A total of 1353 differentially expressed gene (DEG) were identified between the circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and control groups, with 403 genes upregulated and 950 downregulated (Figures 1(a) and 1(b))
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major digestive malignancies in the world. During the tumor progression, hematogenous tumor cell disseminates and initiates the metastatic cascade of CRC. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) exist in the peripheral blood of patients with various solid tumors including colorectal cancer and may lead to tumor metastasis [1]. Compared to the diameter of the blood cells (8 μm), tumor cells are larger and less likely to deform. Based on these characteristics, many membrane filtration devices appeared for CTC. Characterization of the features associated with circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is one of major interests for predicting clinical outcome of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. For identification of key genes and pathways, GSE31023, contained CTCs from six metastatic CRC patients and three controls, was retrieved for differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis. This study identified potential role of ribosome pathway in CTC, providing further insightful therapeutic targets and biomarkers for CRC
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