Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39984869›Full record

ArticleBMC cancer2025

Integrating transcriptomics and scPagwas analysis predicts naïve CD4 T cell-related gene DRAM2 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for colorectal cancer.

Rui Feng, Xiaofang Li, Benhua Li, Tiankuo Luan, Jiaming He, Guojing Liu, Jian Yue

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC cancer, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

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2citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Rui Feng *Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Xiaofang Li *Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
Benhua Li *The Second People's Hospital of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Xichang, China.
Tiankuo LuanDepartment of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical School, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Jiaming HeDepartment of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical School, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Guojing LiuDepartment of Neurosurgery, The University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, NO.55 of university-town middle Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400000, China. lgj@hospital.cqmu.edu.cn.
Jian YueDepartment of Breast Surgery, Gaozhou People's Hospital, No.89 Xiguan Road, Gaozhou, Guangdong, 525200, China. tamoxifen@126.com.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveThe interaction between T cells, particularly naïve CD4 T cells (CD4Tn), and colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly complex. CD4Tn play a crucial role in modulating immune responses within the tumor microenvironment, yet the precise mechanisms by which they influence tumor progression remain elusive. This study aims to explore the relationship between CRC and CD4Tn, identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets, and focus on the role of CD4Tn in shaping the immune environment of CRC.

methodsSingle-cell transcriptomics, alongside the scPagwas algorithm, were employed to identify pivotal T cell subsets involved in CRC progression. Bulk transcriptomic data were further analyzed using deconvolution algorithms to elucidate the roles of these key T cell subsets. The abundance of naïve CD4 T cells (CD4Tn) was specifically assessed to gauge patient responses to immunotherapy, alterations in the immune microenvironment, and correlations with genetic mutations. Key genes linked to CD4Tn were identified using weighted gene co-expression network analysis and Pearson correlation scores. The SMR algorithm was subsequently used for validation, with experimental verification following.

resultsThrough single-cell transcriptomics and the scPagwas algorithm, CD4Tn was confirmed as a critical cell type in CRC progression. High infiltration of CD4Tn cells in CRC patients was correlated with poorer prognosis and suboptimal responses to immunotherapy. SMR analysis suggested a potential causal link between DRAM2 gene expression and CRC progression. Experimental knockdown of DRAM2 in colorectal cancer cells significantly inhibited tumor growth.

conclusionThe DRAM2 gene, associated with CD4Tn cells, appears to play a pivotal role in the advancement of CRC and may represent a promising therapeutic target for treatment.

Indexed as

Biomarkers, TumorCD4-Positive T-LymphocytesColorectal NeoplasmsMembrane ProteinsTranscriptomeAlgorithmsCell Line, TumorFemaleGene Expression ProfilingGene Expression Regulation, NeoplasticHumansMalePrognosisSingle-Cell AnalysisTumor MicroenvironmentBiomarkers, TumorMembrane ProteinsBioinformaticsCD4TnColorectal cancerDRAM2scPagwas

Identifiers

PMID39984869
PMCPMC11843817

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