Combining machine learning and multi-omics analysis to explore the role of CPT1C in colorectal tumor cancer transformation

Colorectal cancer is a common and high-mortality cancer that develops from colorectal adenomas and has a complex process of onset and progression. The CPT1C gene has been found to have a potential oncogenic role in a variety of cancers, but its role in colorectal adenocarcinoma is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression changes of CPT1C gene in colorectal adenocarcinoma and its clinical significance. Gene expression data from the GEO database were analyzed using machine learning to assess CPT1C differential expression between colorectal adenocarcinoma and adenoma patients. CPT1C was knocked down in HT29 and HCT116 colon cancer cells, and effects on proliferation, migration, and apoptosis were examined via CCK8, scratch, and Annexin V assays. CPT1C expression in human tissues was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, the association between CPT1C expression and clinicopathological parameters was analyzed using the TCGA CRC cohort. Machine learning analysis revealed that CPT1C expression was significantly elevated in colorectal adenocarcinoma patients compared to adenoma patients, and high CPT1C expression was associated with poor patient survival. Cellular experiments demonstrated that CPT1C knockdown led to pronounced inhibition of cell proliferation, reduction in migration capabilities, and increased apoptosis in HT29 and HCT116 cells. Immunohistochemical results further confirmed the upregulated expression of CPT1C in colorectal cancer tissues. TCGA cohort analysis revealed that CPT1C expression was significantly associated with disease progression. CPT1C is significantly upregulated in colorectal adenocarcinoma compared with adenoma, and its high expression correlates with disease progression and poor prognosis. Functional assays demonstrate that CPT1C knockdown suppresses proliferation and migration while inducing apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.