Association between PPP2CA expression and colorectal cancer prognosis tumor marker prognostic study

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. The aim of this study is to identify candidate genes by bioinformatics and investigate its clinical pathological characters and prognostic significance.

Method: First, we identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CRC by analyzing gene expression datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Then we performed a bioinformatics analysis by using Oncomine, STRING and Oncolnc databases. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed using TCGA data set. Then, the protein expression level of PPP2CA was detected by immunohistochemistry in 196 pairs of primary colorectal cancer and corresponding non-tumor tissues.

Result: Total 81 differential expressed genes were identified in the overlap of datasets. PPI network show the hub genes were CCND1, PPP2CA and YAP1. We investigated Oncomine databases and found that PPP2CA mRNA expression was lower in CRC tissues compared with normal tissues. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that PPP2CA expression was associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition signaling pathway. Low expression of PPP2CA was associated with T stage, N stage, and M stage. Low expression of PPP2CA was associated with worse overall survival for CRC, and retained significance as an independent prognostic factor for CRC.

Conclusion: PPP2CA may act as an oncogene in the progression of colorectal cancer. Moreover, PPP2CA has potential to be used as prognostic markers or therapeutic targets in CRC.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer; Immunohistochemistry; PPP2CA; Prognosis.