Identification of key genes and biological processes contributing to colitis associated dysplasia in ulcerative colitis

Abstract

Using WGCNA, this study found two gene modules that were significantly correlated with CAD, of which 13 hub genes were identified as the potential key genes. The critical biological processes in which the genes of these two modules were significantly enriched include mitochondrial dysfunction, cell-cell junction, and immune responses. <i>TFE3</i>, a transcription factor related to mitochondrial function and cancers, may play a central role in UC-associated carcinogenesis.