The role of KNTC1 in the regulation of proliferation, migration and tumorigenesis in colorectal cancer

KNTC1 functions as a potential biomarker and oncogene regulating proliferation, migration and apoptosis in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

As one of the most prevalent cancers, gastric cancer (GC) exhibits a remarkably high morbidity and mortality rate. To date, effective diagnostic and prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for GC are still lacking. Kinetochore associated 1 (KNTC1) is one of the proteins involved in chromosome segregation. However, the diagnostic and prognostic value of KNTC1 and its biological function in GC remain unknown.

METHODS

In this study, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets were utilized to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Prognostic and diagnostic value were assessed by Kaplan-Meier plotter and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The expression of KNTC1 was verified by q-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting. Subsequently, KNTC1 knockdown was employed to investigate its effect on GC cells. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed a pathway regulated by KNTC1, which was further verified by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Four highly expressed genes (ESPL1, RAD54L, KNTC1, TACC3) were identified as biomarkers for GC diagnosis and prognosis. Notably, the value of KNTC1 as a biomarker for GC was newly revealed. Single-cell and immune analyses revealed that KNTC1 contributed to the suppression of the GC immune microenvironment. In clinical samples, we demonstrated high expression of KNTC1 in GC tissues. KNTC1 knockdown suppressed proliferation and migration while promoting apoptosis of GC cells. Additionally, KNTC1 may affect GC cells by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

KNTC1 acts as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker for GC. It may promote proliferation and migration while inhibiting apoptosis of GC cells via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Identification of potential key genes for colorectal cancer based on bioinformatics analysis

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.