Identification of oncogenic microRNAs and their target genes in tissue samples of colorectal cancer: Gene set enrichment analysis

Colorectal cancer is a serious malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The incidence and impact of colorectal cancer can be significantly reduced by implementing primary prevention strategies such as practicing early detection through screening. In addition to improved detection, more effective therapeutic strategies, especially those targeting novel pathways, are crucial for advancing treatment and reducing mortality from this disease. We have used bioinformatics analysis to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer. Microarray data were extracted from 3 different datasets to identify differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs), which have important roles in gene regulation and their target genes that are upregulated and downregulated according to microRNA dysregulation. Then, we used enrichment strategies to understand what pathways and gene ontologies these dysregulated genes are involved in. The protein-protein interaction network was structured, and hub genes were detected. In this study, we identified DEMs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets and verified their associated genes, which are considered differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in colorectal cancer. The important gene ontologies and related pathways and hub genes ofour final gene sets have also been uncovered.