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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Colorectal Cancer | Research

Transcriptome analysis of potential candidate genes and molecular pathways in colitis-associated colorectal cancer of Mkp-1-deficient mice

Authors: Ahmed Hammad, Zhao-Hong Zheng, Akhileshwar Namani, Mohamed Elshaer, Xiu Jun Wang, Xiuwen Tang

Published in: BMC Cancer | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

The nuclear phosphatase mitogen-activate protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) is a key negative regulator of the innate immune response through the regulation of the biosynthesis of proinflammatory cytokines. In colorectal cancer (CRC), which is induced mainly by chronic inflammation, Mkp-1 overexpression was found in addition to disturbances in Mkp-1 functions, which may play a role in cancer development in different types of tumors. However, the potential molecular mechanisms by which Mkp-1 influences CRC development is not clear. Here, we performed global gene expression profiling of Mkp-1 KO mice using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to explore the role of Mkp-1 in CRC progression using transcriptome analysis.

Methods

Azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS) mouse models were used to examine the most dramatic molecular and signaling changes that occur during different phases of CRC development in wild-type mice and Mkp-1 KO mice. Comprehensive bioinformatics analyses were used to elucidate the molecular processes regulated by Mkp-1. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and functionally analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Enrichment of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Then, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was conducted using the STRING database and Cytoscape software.

Results

Persistent DEGs were different in adenoma and carcinoma stage (238 & 251, respectively) and in WT and MKp-1 KO mice (221& 196, respectively). Mkp-1 KO modulated key molecular processes typically activated in cancer, in particular, cell adhesion, ion transport, extracellular matrix organization, response to drug, response to hypoxia, and response to toxic substance. It was obvious that these pathways are closely associated with cancer development and metastasis. From the PPI network analyses, nine hub genes associated with CRC were identified.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that MKp-1 and its hub genes may play a critical role in cancer development, prognosis, and determining treatment outcomes. We provide clues to build a potential link between Mkp-1 and colitis-associated tumorigenesis and identify areas requiring further investigation.

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Title: Transcriptome analysis of potential candidate genes and molecular pathways in colitis-associated colorectal cancer of Mkp-1-deficient mice
Authors: Ahmed Hammad
Zhao-Hong Zheng
Akhileshwar Namani
Mohamed Elshaer
Xiu Jun Wang
Xiuwen Tang
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
Published in: BMC Cancer / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2407
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-021-08200-0

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