The Expressions of NMU, PPBP and GNG4 in Colon Cancer and Their Influences on Prognosis

Abstract ObjectiveThis study aims to identify the core genes that influence the prognosis of colon cancer, and analyze their relationships with clinical characteristics. MethodsThe gene expression profiles were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The top ten core genes were selected by bioinformatics tools, and screened through the Oncomine database. The expressions of core genes in colon cancer cells and tissues were validated by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results There were 1665 DEGs that have been identified from the TCGA database. Bioinformatics analysis found that GNGT1, NMU, PPBP, AGT, and GNG4 were differentially expressed in colon cancer tissue. Over-expression of NMU, PPBP, AGT, and GNG4 in colon cancer was associated with shortened survival time (p<0.05). In the validation studies, the high expression levels of NMU, PPBP and GNG4 in colon cancer cells and tissues were confirmed as compared to the control groups (p<0.05), and were adverse prognostic markers (p<0.01). The combination prognostic model of the three core genes predicted the 1, 3, and 5-year survival of colon cancer with the AUC of 0.868, 0.635 and 0.770, respectively. ConclusionsThe high levels of NMU, PPBP, and GNG4 were associated with poor prognosis in colon cancer. The combination prognostic model of these three genes could be a new option.