Identification of key gene modules and genes in colorectal cancer by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA)

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant tumor particularly common in developing countries. In this study, we used Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) of chip data and screened hub genes in CRC to find the gene modules specifically correlated with clinical traits. Methods: WGCNA was used to identify the gene modules specifically associated with metastasis in colorectal cancer. Cytoscape software was used to construct a co-expression network. The expression of CYTH1 was determined by qRT-PCR. Results: Based on the predicted co-expression network, we identified that the turquoise module was associated with CRC clinical metastasis traits. Turquoise module genes were analyzed, and we identified the hub gene CYTH1 using Cytoscape software. Additionally, we found CYTH1’s expression was lower in CRC tissue and cells when compared with normal counterparts.