Prognostic implications of MXRA8 expression in colorectal cancer and its role in tumor progression

Abstract

Matrix Remodeling Associated 8 (MXRA8) is a type I transmembrane protein capable of modulating integrin signaling and regulating cell-cell interactions, and also functions as a receptor for multiple arthritogenic alphaviruses. Although limited numbers of studies have provided evidence indicating a potential role of MXRA8 in different types of cancer, the potential contrubition of MXRA8 in colorectal cancer (CRC) has not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, our aim was to conduct a comprehensive analysis elucidating the prognostic value of MXRA8 in CRC. The results revealed that MXRA8 was highly expressed in CRC compared to normal tissue. Notably, there was a substantial correlation with the TNM stage, and elevated MXRA8 expression was indicative of a poorer prognosis in CRC cases. Furthermore, co-expression analysis indicated that MXRA8 is predominantly involved in hypoxia and epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential roles of MXRA8 in predicting CRC prognosis and contributes to the elucidation of how MXRA8 might be involved in the mechanisms underlying CRC carcinogenesis.