Exploring genes of rectal cancer based on protein interaction network

Objective: We have developed a protein-protein interaction network of rectal cancer which is based on genetic genes, and then predicted biological pathways underlying the molecular complexes in the network. The aim of this study is to analyze and summarize the genetic markers related to rectal cancer. Methods: The gene expression profile was downloaded from OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man) database; The protein-protein interaction network of rectal cancer was established by Cytoscape 3.2; The molecular complexes in the network were detected by Clusterviz plugin and the pathways enrichment of molecular complexes were performed by DAVID online and Bingo plugin (The Biological Networks Gene Ontology tool). Results: a total of 127 rectal cancer-related genes were identified to express differentially in OMIM Database. The protein-protein interaction network of rectal cancer contained 966 nodes (proteins), 3377 edges (interactive relationships) and 7 molecular complexes (score >7.0). Regulatory effects of genes and proteins were focused on cell cycle, transcription regulation and cellular protein metabolic process. Genes such as DDK1, sparcl1, wisp2, cux1, pabpc1, ptk2 and htra1 were key nodes in PPI network. The discovery of rectal cancer-related genes has a great significance on exploring mechanism, distinguishing cancer tissues and exploring new treatments for rectal cancer.