Frontiers in Immunology (Jun 2024)

Decoding immune-related gene-signatures in colorectal neoplasia

  • Thura Akrem Omran,
  • Hege Smith Tunsjø,
  • David Jahanlu,
  • Stephan Andreas Brackmann,
  • Stephan Andreas Brackmann,
  • Vahid Bemanian,
  • Per Christian Sæther

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1407995
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15

Abstract

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BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant health issue, with notable incidence rates in Norway. The immune response plays a dual role in CRC, offering both protective effects and promoting tumor growth. This research aims to provide a detailed screening of immune-related genes and identify specific genes in CRC and adenomatous polyps within the Norwegian population, potentially serving as detection biomarkers.MethodsThe study involved 69 patients (228 biopsies) undergoing colonoscopy, divided into CRC, adenomatous polyps, and control groups. We examined the expression of 579 immune genes through nCounter analysis emphasizing differential expression in tumor versus adjacent non-tumorous tissue and performed quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) across patient categories.ResultsKey findings include the elevated expression of CXCL1, CXCL2, IL1B, IL6, CXCL8 (IL8), PTGS2, and SPP1 in CRC tissues. Additionally, CXCL1, CXCL2, IL6, CXCL8, and PTGS2 showed significant expression changes in adenomatous polyps, suggesting their early involvement in carcinogenesis.ConclusionsThis study uncovers a distinctive immunological signature in colorectal neoplasia among Norwegians, highlighting CXCL1, CXCL2, IL1B, IL6, CXCL8, PTGS2, and SPP1 as potential CRC biomarkers. These findings warrant further research to confirm their role and explore their utility in non-invasive screening strategies.

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