Purpose: This study aims to identify key genes in slow transit constipation (STC). We also sought to explore the potential link between STC and colorectal cancer.
Patients and Methods: mRNA expression profiles were obtained by RNA sequencing, and differentially expressed genes were identified. Functional enrichment analysis and a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was explored, and differentially expressed genes common to STC and colorectal cancer were examined. Analysis of the effect of constipation and colorectal cancer common genes on the overall survival of colorectal cancer patients based on GEPIA database.
Results: Functional enrichment showed that significantly different genes are related to lymphocyte chemotaxis, positive regulation of inflammatory response, cellular response to tumor necrosis factor, extracellular region, extracellular space and chemokine activity. The hub gene for STC was found in the PPI network. In addition, AQP8 and CFD were common differential genes for STC and colorectal cancer. AQP8 affects overall survival in patients with colorectal cancer.
Conclusion: Our findings will contribute to understanding the pathology of STC at the molecular level, with the first discovery that AQP8 may be a hub gene in the transition from STC to colorectal cancer.
Keywords: slow transit constipation, RNA sequencing, hub genes, colorectal cancer, AQP8