Pan-cancer analysis and oncogenic implications of and : Toward precision oncology and drug repurposing in colorectal cancer.

Cancer remains a major global health challenge, with high prevalence and mortality rates emphasizing the urgent need for innovative treatment strategies. Although precision oncology offers tailored therapies based on genetic profiles, the clinical translation of genomic insights has been slow. Drug repurposing, using existing FDA-approved drugs for new indications, presents a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative. This study investigates as a potential direct target of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors in colorectal cancer (CRC), explores its biomarker potential, and evaluates gene expression patterns across diverse cancers. Using RNA-Seq data from Recount3, Firebrowse, and gene set co-expression analysis databases, we analyzed the differential expression of and its paralog across 33 cancer types. We examined mutation profiles, methylation status, survival impact, immune cell infiltration, and drug-mRNA interactions. Validation was performed via real-time PCR and whole-exome sequencing (WES) in CRC patients. and showed differential expression across multiple cancers, with upregulated and downregulated in gastrointestinal tumors. Both genes were linked to key cancer-related pathways, including metabolism, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. exhibited frequent mutations and aberrant methylation in several cancers. Their expression correlated with immune cell infiltration and drug sensitivity, highlighting potential for therapy planning. Diagnostic modeling showed over 80% accuracy. In CRC patients, downregulation was confirmed in 64 samples, and WES revealed a novel mutation (rs2960746). These findings underscore and as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets, supporting their relevance in advancing personalized oncology.