Transcriptomic analysis reveals the underlying pro-malignant functions of Gankyrin for colorectal cancer via affecting tumor necrosis factor pathway

Abstract

BackgroundRecently increasing evidence had indicated Gankyrin play an important role for the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, its function mechanisms remain unclear. The goal of this study was to further illuminate the roles of Gankyrin in CRC using microarray data. MethodsThe microarray data of CRC was extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database under the accession number GSE44029. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the LIMMA method, and then protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to screen crucial genes associated with Gankyrin. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed to investigate the underlying functions of DEGs using DAVID tool. ResultsA total of 712 genes were identified as DEGs, including 15 upregulated genes and 697 downregulated genes. Go enrichment analysis indicated that Gankyrin was involved in tumor necrosis factor-mediated signaling pathway. A PPI network including 586 nodes and 654 edges was constructed, in which BIRC3 and PSMB9 were demonstrated to be the hub genes associated with Gankyrin. ConclusionOur present study preliminarily revealed that the pro-malignant effects of Gankyrin in CRC cells may be mediated by affecting TNF signaling pathway via changing the expression of the crucial enriched genes (BIRC3 and PSMB9).