Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most malignant cancers. A growing number of studies have shown that both genetic and epigenetic play important roles in the etiology of CRC. Both microRNA (miRNA) and DNA methylation belong to the scope of epigenetic and there are complex regulatory mechanisms within miRNA and DNA methylation. We compiled 71 CRC related genes and 134 CRC related miRNAs. Then we identified 417 feed forward loops (FFLs) and 37 feedback loops (FBLs) among these genes, miRNAs and transcription factors (TFs). We constructed a network of miRNAs and TFs mediation for CRC utilizing these FFLs and FBLs. Statistical tests proved that these FFLs were significantly enriched in the CRC comparing to the esophageal cancer, breast cancer and randomly selected CRCmiRNA-gene pairs. Analysis of the network singled out 3 core genes, 2 core miRNAs and 5 core TFs. The KEGG enrichment and GO enrichment for the 2 core miRNA target genes indicated that they were significantly enriched in CRC related pathways. (Ex. MARK pathway, TGFβ pathway and cell cycle) Through the investigation on methylation, we found that most of the CRC related genes and miRNAs were prone to be regulated by methylation. This study sheds lights on the regulatory mechanisms in CRC and we provide some insights on the epigenetic of CRC.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.