Prognostic markers and molecular pathways in primary colorectal cancer with a high potential of liver metastases: a systems biology approach.

Background and purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) holds the position of being the third most prevalent cancer and the second primary cause of cancer-related fatalities on a global scale. Approximately 65% of CRC patients survive for 5 years following diagnosis. Metastasis and recurrence frequently occur in half of CRC patients diagnosed at the late stage. This study used bioinformatics analysis to identify key signaling pathways, hub genes, transcription factors, and protein kinases involved in transforming primary CRC with liver metastasis potential. Prognostic markers in CRC were also identified.

Experimental approach: The GSE81582 dataset was re-analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in early CRC compared to non-tumoral tissues. A protein interaction network (PIN) was constructed, revealing significant modules and hub genes. Prognostic markers, transcription factors, and protein kinases were determined. Boxplot and gene set enrichment analyses were performed.

Findings/results: This study identified 1113 DEGs in primary CRC compared to healthy controls. PIN analysis revealed 75 hub genes and 8 significant clusters associated with early CRC. The down-regulation of SUCLG2 and KPNA2 correlated with poor prognosis. SIN3A and CDK6 played crucial roles in early CRC transformation, affecting rRNA processing pathways.

Conclusion and implications: This study demonstrated several pathways, biological processes, and genes mediating the malignant transformation of healthy colorectal tissues to primary CRC and may help the prognosis and treatment of patients with early CRC.