Integrated analysis of the functions and prognostic values of RNA binding proteins in colon adenocarcinoma

Background: RNA binding proteins (RBPs) play an important role in a variety of cancers. However, the role of RBPs in colorectal adenocarcinoma (COAD) has not been studied. Integrated analysis of RBPs will provide a better understanding of disease genesis and new insights into COAD treatment. Methods The gene expression data and corresponding clinical information for COAD were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Univariate Cox regression analysis was used to screen for RBPs associated with COAD recurrence, and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to identify genes that were associated with COAD recurrence. A nomogram was constructed to predict the recurrence of COAD, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the accuracy of the prediction models. The Human Protein Atlas database was used in prediction models to confirm the expression of key genes in COAD patients. Result A total of 177 differentially expressed RBPs was obtained, comprising 123 upregulated and 54 downregulated. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed RBPs were mainly related to mRNA metabolism, RNA processing and translation regulation. Seven RBP genes ( TDRD6 , POP1 , TDRD7 , PPARGC1A , LIN28B , LRRFIP2 and PNLDC1 ) were identified as prognosis-associated genes and were used to construct the prognostic model. Conclusion We constructed a COAD prognostic model through bioinformatics analysis, which indicated that prognostic model RBPs have a potential role in the diagnosis and prognosis of COAD. Moreover, the nomogram can effectively predict the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rate for COAD patients.