INHBA is a novel mediator regulating cellular senescence and immune evasion in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most mortal cancers in the world. Multiple factors and bio-processes are associated with in tumorigenesis and metastasis of CRC, including cellular senescence and immune evasion. This study aims to identify prognostic and immune-meditating effects of INHBA in CRC. Microarray datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in senescent cells and CRC tissues from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Key factor was settled from the alternative DEGs set. Enrichment analyses and functional networks prediction were determined from online databases. Correlation analyses were performed to reveal the association among key factor, immune infiltration, T cell biomarkers and immune checkpoints. Moreover, expressions of key factors and immune checkpoints of tissue and blood samples from CRC patients as well as human CRC cell lines were measured. Results showed that Inhibin beta A (INHBA) was sorted out as a senescence-related factor and a prognostic predictor in CRC. What's more, INHBA was found highly co-expressed with T-cell biomarkers and immune checkpoints. In conclusion, INHBA was considered as a senescence-related regulator and a prognostic predictor in CRC, which also mediating immune evasion.