Analysis and validation of genes co-expressed in Crohn's disease and cervical cancer based on GEO database.

Abstract

Abstract Background In recent years, many studies have shown that Crohn's disease (CD) can increase the incidence of cervical cancer in women. However, the mechanism of the association is unclear, and this study aimed to investigate further the mechanisms underlying the joint development of both diseases. Methods Gene expression profiles of Crohn's disease (GSE95095) and cervical cancer (GSE63514) were downloaded from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the experimental group and control group of Crohn's disease and cervical cancer were searched for, as well as co-expressed genes in the two conditions. These co-expressed genes were then subjected to functional annotation, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and module construction, screening and co-expression analysis of key genes, and prediction and validation of transcription factors that exert regulatory effects on the corresponding key genes. Results A total of 63 co-expressed genes were screened from the differential genes of the two disease groups: 17 up-regulated and 46 down-regulated genes. Functional analysis revealed that hormone metabolic processes, steroid hormone synthesis processes and angiogenesis, play a crucial role in both diseases. In addition, 15 important core genes were screened. We used core genes that were upregulated in both diseases. The core genes upregulated in both conditions: AKR1B1, CHI3L1, CXCR4 and DUSP2, were used to construct risk models for predicting disease progression. Finally, it is expected that transcription factors such as MYC, VHL and SP1 may play a regulatory role on core genes, with the regulation of CXCR4 by the transcription factor MYC deserving an in-depth study. Combining the extent scores and high expression levels of both diseases, CXCR4 is considered the most risky gene and is expected to be a biomarker for both diseases. Finally, CXCR4 expression in cervical cancer was verified using immunohistochemistry and protein immunoblotting assays. Conclusion This study has provided initial insights into the common pathogenesis of Crohn's disease and cervical cancer and the potential co-expression of key genes. These common pathways and key gene mechanisms require further investigation and can provide a crucial reference for early clinical diagnosis and treatment.