Abstract
This study aimed to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of colorectal cancer (CRC) using bioinformatics analysis. Using GSE4107 datasets downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by comparing the RNA expression from the colonic mucosa between 12 CRC patients and ten healthy controls using a paired t-test. The Gene Ontology (GO) functional and pathway enrichment analyses of DEGs were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) software followed by the construction of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. In addition, hub gene identification and GO functional and pathway enrichment analyses of the modules were performed. A total of 612 up- and 639 downregulated genes were identified. The upregulated DEGs were mainly involved in the regulation of cell growth, migration, and the MAPK signaling pathway. The downregulated DEGs were significantly associated with oxidative phosphorylation, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Moreover, FOS, FN1, PPP1CC, and CYP2B6 were selected as hub genes in the PPI networks. Two modules (up-A and up-B) in the upregulated PPI network and three modules (d-A, d-B, and d-C) in the downregulated PPI were identified with the threshold of Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) score ≥4 and nodes ≥6. The genes in module up-A were significantly enriched in neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions and the calcium signaling pathway. The genes in module d-A were enriched in four pathways, including oxidative phosphorylation and Parkinson's disease. DEGs, such as FOS, FN1, PPP1CC, and CYP2B6, may be used as potential targets for CRC diagnosis and treatment.