Identification of Key Genes Associated with Colorectal Cancer Based on the Transcriptional Network
PATHOLOGY & ONCOLOGY RESEARCH
Authors: Chen, Guoting; Li, Hengping; Niu, Xianping; Li, Guofeng; Han, Ning; Li, Xin; Li, Guang; Liu, Yangzhou; Sun, Guixin; Wang, Yong; Li, Zengchun; Li, Qinchuan
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most lethal human cancers, but the mechanism of the cancer is still unclear enough. We aimed to explore the key genes in CRC progression. The gene expression profile (GSE4183) of CRC was obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus database which included 8 normal samples, 15 adenoma samples, 15 CRC samples and 15 inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) samples. Thereinto, 8 normal, 15 adenoma, and 15 CRC samples were chosen for our research. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in normal vs. adenoma, normal vs. CRC, and adenoma vs. CRC, were identified using the Wilcoxon test method in R respectively. The interactive network of DEGs was constructed to select the significant modules using the Pearson's correlation. Meanwhile, transcriptional network of DEGs was also constructed using the g: Profiler. Totally, 2,741 DEGs in normal vs. adenoma, 1,484 DEGs in normal vs. CRC, and 396 DEGs in adenoma vs. CRC were identified. Moreover, function analysis of DEGs in each group showed FcR-mediated phagocytosis pathway in module 1, cardiac muscle contraction pathway in module 6, and Jak-STAT signaling pathway in module 19 were also enriched. Furthermore, MZF1 and AP2 were the transcription factor in module 6, with the target SP1, while SP1 was also a transcription in module 20. DEGs like NCF1, AKT, SP1, AP2, MZF1, and TPM might be used as specific biomarkers in CRC development. Therapy targeting on the functions of these key genes might provide novel perspective for CRC treatment.
Monogenic mimics of Behcet's disease in the young
RHEUMATOLOGY
Authors: Papadopoulou, C.; Omoyinmi, E.; Standing, A.; Pain, C. E.; Booth, C.; D'Arco, F.; Gilmour, K.; Buckland, M.; Eleftheriou, D.; Brogan, P. A.
Abstract
Objectives Monogenic autoinflammatory disorders (AID) and primary immunodeficiencies can present early in life with features that may be mistaken for Behcet's disease (BD). We aimed to retrospectively describe the clinical and laboratory features of 11 paediatric cases referred for suspected BD who turned out to have an alternative, monogenic disease mimicking BD. Methods Retrospective, paediatric BD specialist multicentre case series. Next generation sequencing (NGS) or conventional candidate gene screening approaches were utilized, facilitated in some cases by functional assays. Results Eleven children referred with suspected BD underwent genetic screening because of atypical BD features, and/or presentation before age 5 years. Eight patients (73%) were Caucasian, two were Pakistani and one was Turkish; 55% were female. A positive family history of BD was reported in 54% cases. The median age of disease onset was 0.6 (range 0.2-2.3) years. All had systemic inflammation and oral ulceration; 5/11 had genital ulceration; 3/11 had ocular involvement; and 9/11 had cutaneous manifestations. Nine/11 had known disease-causing genetic mutations in: TNFAIP3 (n = 2), WDR1 (n = 2), NCF1, AP1S3, LYN, MEFV and GLA. The remaining two cases each had novel variants in STAT1 and TNFRSF1A. Conclusion Rare monogenic diseases can mimic BD, particularly when presenting early in life. These observations are now informing a strategy to explore screening for genetic mimics of BD in a UK cohort of children and adults to better understand the proportion of UK BD patients who may in fact have an underlying monogenetic diagnosis.