ABSTRACT
@#[Abstract] Objective: To explore the key genes and molecular mechanisms of liver metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC), and to provide potential targets and biomarkers for the treatment of CRC with liver metastasis. Methods: Based on the bioinformatics method, the gene data sets of CRC liver metastasis were downloaded from the GEO database to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs); the GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of DEGs were performed by using DAVID online tool, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to screen out the key genes, and subsequently the prognosis was analyzed. Results: A total of 321 DEGs were selected from 183 CRC specimens and 39 liver metastasis specimens, including 153 up-regulated genes and 168 downregulated genes. The results of enrichment analysis of GO and KEGG showed that the functions of DEGs were mainly related to protein activation cascade, inflammatory response, extracellular matrix, platelet degranulation, complement and coagulation cascade reaction etc. 8 key CRC genes (ALB, APOB, FGA, F2, APOA1, SERPINC1, FGG and AHSG) were screened by PPI network. Survival analysis showed that patients with high expressions of SERPINC1 and FGG had poor prognosis(all P<0.05). Conclusion: The biological functions and signaling pathways of DEGs are related to the occurrence and development of liver metastasis. The 8 key genes may be the potential therapeutic targets of CRC liver metastasis, and SERPINC1 and FGG may be new prognostic markers.