Title:Transcriptomic Analysis of the Aquaporin Gene Family and Associated Interactors in Rectal Cancer
Volume: 9
Issue: 2
Author(s): Dimitrios E. Magouliotis, Vasiliki S. Tasiopoulou, Ioannis Baloyiannis, Ioannis Mamaloudis and George Tzovaras*
Affiliation:
- Department of Surgery, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Larissa,Greece
Keywords:
AQP3, aquaporin, biomarker, in silico, miRNA, radiotherapy, rectal cancer, transcriptomics.
Abstract:
Background: Rectal Cancer (RC) is a common type of cancer with poor prognosis. The
identification of biomarkers regarding RC diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis is crucial.
Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the differential expression of the Aquaporin
(AQP) gene family network in RC, and the effect of Radiotherapy (RT) on their expression
profile, to indicate novel biomarkers and prognostic factors.
Methods: We used data mining techniques to construct the network of the AQP-associated genes to
determine the Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) in RC and in irradiated as compared to nonirradiated
RC patients. Furthermore, survival data of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were analysed
to assess the prognostic role of the DEGs, along with the functional enrichment of gene ontologies
and miRNAs related to the DEGs in RC.
Results: Microarray data of one PubMed GEO dataset was extracted, incorporating 22 RC and 20
normal rectal tissue samples. Eight DEGs were reported. Four DEGs were up-regulated and four
downregulated in RC. Correlations were identified among the DEGs. Deming regression analysis
was performed in order to demonstrate the equations describing these correlations. One gene (Aquaporin
3) was downregulated in irradiated RC samples compared with non-irradiated samples. The
most significantly affected biological pathways and miRNAs were identified by functional enrichment
analysis.
Conclusion: The present study demonstrates an eight-gene molecular panel that could facilitate as
biomarkers regarding RC patients, which are potential targets of five miRNA families. Finally, our
results highlight the effect of radiotherapy on AQPs and the associated pathways in RC.