Abstract
This study aimed to explore key genes as potential biomarkers for colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis and prognosis in order to improve their clinical utility. To identify and screen candidate genes involved in CRC carcinogenesis and disease progression, we downloaded the microarray datasets GSE143939, GSE196006, and GSE200427 from the GEO database and applied the GEO2R tool to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between colorectal cancer tissue samples and normal tissue samples. Differentially expressed genes were analyzed using the DAVID online database for gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analyses. Protein-protein interaction network was constructed and related module analysis was performed using STRING and Cytoscape. In total, 241 DEGs were identified, including 127 downregulated and 114 upregulated genes. DEGs enriched functions and pathways included cellular response to chemical stimulus, extracellular region, carbonate dehydratase activity, cell division, spindle, and cell division. The abundant functions and pathways of DEGs included cellular response to chemical stimulus, extracellular region, carbonate dehydratase activity, cell division, spindle, cell adhesion molecule binding, Aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption, and Cell cycle-related processes. Fifteen key genes were identified, and bioprocess analyses showed that these genes were mainly enriched in cell cycle, cell division, mitotic spindle, and tubulin binding processes. It was found that CDK1, CEP55, MKI67, and TOP2A may be involved in CRC cancer invasion and recurrence. The pivotal genes identified in this study contribute to our understanding of the molecular and pathogenic mechanisms of CRC carcinogenesis and progression, and provide possible biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of CRC.