SUBTYPE-SPECIFIC EXPRESSION AND COEXPRESSION PATTERNS OF CFTR IN GASTRIC CANCER

  • Author
  • Marcella Vitória Belém Souza
  • Co-authors
  • Camila Sinimbú Forte , Gilderlanio Santana de Araújo
  • Abstract
  • Introduction: Gastric cancer is among the most prevalent neoplasms worldwide, predominantly affecting men in developing countries, with incidence rates increasing significantly with age. In individuals with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), gastrointestinal cancers, including gastric cancer, have emerged as notable comorbidities in adulthood. Recent studies have highlighted a potential role for the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene - classically associated with CF - in the pathogenesis of various cancers. CFTR, a key protein responsible for bicarbonate (HCO??) transport and regulation, has been proposed to function as a tumor suppressor gene in the intestinal tract. However, CFTR dysfunction - most notably due to mutations such as ?F508 - leads to viscous secretions that obstruct ducts and intestinal passages. This obstruction contributes to an inflammatory microenvironment, recurrent infections, and ultimately, tumorigenesis. Despite these associations, the precise biological role of CFTR remains incompletely understood, and its mutation and expression patterns have been scarcely explored in the context of gastric cancer. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the expression profile of CFTR across different gastric cancer subtypes, assess its co-expression networks, gene-gene interactions, and biological pathway associations, and identify possible molecular interactions predictive of specific gastric cancer subtypes. Methods: To this end, we conducted a differential gene expression analysis on six molecular subtypes of stomach cancer using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas Stomach Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-STAD). The EdgeR package was used for identifying differentially expressed genes, while CEMiTool was employed for co-expression network analysis, followed by functional pathway over-representation analysis. We further utilized the clusterProfiler R package for functional enrichment analysis to gain deeper biological insights.  Results: Contrary to initial hypotheses, CFTR was not significantly differentially expressed in any of the 15 pairwise comparisons among the six molecular subtypes of gastric adenocarcinoma in the TCGA-STAD dataset. Nevertheless, our investigation uncovered systemic patterns suggesting a more nuanced role for CFTR in gastric tumor biology. Notably, in the signet ring cell carcinoma subtype, co-expression analysis identified 58 genes interacting with CFTR, pointing to its involvement in broader regulatory networks rather than exhibiting standalone differential expression. These interactions were also mirrored in Lauren’s histological classification of gastric cancer. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that CFTR may exert its influence on gastric cancer progression through modulation of co-expressed genes and pathways, particularly in the signet ring cell subtype. This underscores the importance of considering network-level interactions in understanding CFTR's functional role and its potential as a modulator of tumorigenic pathways, rather than as a direct biomarker of expression change.

  • Keywords
  • CFTR; Gastric cancer; Gene expression; Co-expression networks.
  • Modality
  • Pôster
  • Subject Area
  • Molecular Studies
Back Download

It is with great enthusiasm that we present the Annals of the Oncology International Symposium 2025, an event that continues to solidify its significance in the oncology landscape of northern Brazil. Held in Belém, Pará, Oncology 2025 centered around the theme "The cancer control challenge: better knowing it to best facing it," dedicating itself to exploring the latest frontiers in cancer treatment and prevention.

This year, the symposium provided a deep dive into the essential role of knowledge in the fight against cancer, presenting new perspectives and scientific advancements across various areas of oncology. Renowned global experts gathered to share their most recent research and innovative approaches, offering participants a comprehensive view of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and patients worldwide.

Presentations and discussions during the event focused on critical topics such as the use of new technologies, advancements in personalized therapies, and more effective prevention strategies. Additionally, particular attention was given to the unique challenges faced by the Amazon region, with efforts aimed at developing region-specific solutions to meet local needs.

Beyond being a high-caliber academic event, Oncology 2025 stood out as a moment for integration and professional networking, with the warm hospitality of the city of Belém offering participants a unique experience. This event became a platform for exchanging ideas, where science, culture, and humanity came together in pursuit of a common goal: to improve cancer control both in Brazil and globally.

This collection of abstracts and articles presented during the event reflects the ongoing dedication to research and the development of innovative solutions, highlighting the importance of collaboration and shared knowledge in the fight against cancer.

General Submission Guidelines:

The presenting author, who does not have to be the first author, must be registered for Oncology 2025.
Each abstract may have up to 10 authors, including the main author and co-authors.
Only original, unpublished work will be accepted.
Submissions must be related to oncology. However, project descriptions, work proposals, experience reports, and literature reviews will not be considered.
Clinical case reports are allowed, provided the abstract addresses scientific questions, details clinical observations, and includes primary scientific data.
The abstract must be written in English, but presentations may be given in Portuguese.
Abstracts must be between 300 and 500 words.

  • Molecular Studies
  • Experimental Research or Clinical Research
  • Case Report or Epidemiology
  • Others

Comissão Organizadora
 

Comissão Científica

 

 

See Annals of Oncology 2023 at:

https://www.even3.com.br/anais/oncology-2023-international-symposium/