PONE-D-24-50052FAM50A acts as a novel prognostic marker and modulates the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells via CylinA2/CDK2 pathwayPLOS ONE

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PLOS ONE

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Reviewers' comments:

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Comments to the Author

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

Reviewer #3: Yes

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2. Has the statistical analysis been performed appropriately and rigorously?

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

Reviewer #3: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

Reviewer #3: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

Reviewer #3: Yes

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5. Review Comments to the Author

Please use the space provided to explain your answers to the questions above. You may also include additional comments for the author, including concerns about dual publication, research ethics, or publication ethics. (Please upload your review as an attachment if it exceeds 20,000 characters)

Reviewer #1: This study identified FAM50A as a potential novel prognostic marker for colorectal cancer (CRC) and, for the first time, clarified its role in regulating CRC cell proliferation via the CyclinA2/CDK2 pathway. This offers a new perspective and potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of CRC. This article suggests that FAM50A may promote tumor cell proliferation via the CyclinA2/CDK2 signaling pathway, the direct interaction for this mechanism needs to be improved, as least some interaction models.

Specific issues in the text should be clarified:

1.In the text, the 252nd line mentions ‘Using ROC curve analysis’This should be reflected in the figure with the inclusion of an ROC curve graph.

2.In academic papers, it is crucial to provide clear and concise figure legends to assist readers in quickly comprehending the content of the figures. The subplot labels ABCD in Figure 6 and 7 are inconsistent with other figure formats and should be standardized.

3.The figure 6 caption has a mismatch between parts F and G, and it is suggested that a statistical analysis should be conducted on the 'Edu' part to make it more concise.

4.It is suggested that a flowchart be added to Figures A and B in Figure 8 to enhance the persuasiveness of the evidence.

5.Clearly label the samples on the WB (Western blot) lanes to visually compare the detection results of each lane in Figure 8.

6.Figure 3 and Figure 6 F should include the "n" value in the statistical graphs to ensure the transparency, reproducibility, and reliability of the research results.

Reviewer #2: I have reviewed the manuscript titled “FAM50A acts as a novel prognostic marker and modulates the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells via CylinA2/CDK2 pathway”. The authors have investigated FAM50A across different types of cancer and then functionally evaluated the gene in CRC by various experimental methods. The manuscript is well designed and the results are valuable. However, there are several concerns that need to be addressed in this study.

General comments

-The title could be changed to “FAM50A as a novel prognostic marker modulates the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells via CylinA2/CDK2 pathway”. The suggested title is shorter and more precise.

-What was the rational to evaluate just FAM50A and the authors didn’t investigate FAM50B as well?

-There is one article titled “Identification and Clinical Validation of a Novel 4 Gene-Signature with Prognostic Utility in Colorectal Cancer” that pointed to the significance of FAM50A in CRC. So, it could be referenced. Also, the authors could talk about the article in the introduction and discussion.

-There are typo/grammar errors that should be revised (i.e. Finally, the changes in the cell cycle following FAM50A knockdown were detected by using flow cytometry; using could be omitted).

Abstract

Since the gene expression and prognostic analysis were performed by TCGA and GTEX, its better to mention the databases in the abstract. In the current form it seem that the authors evaluated these variables by experimental analysis in their labs.

Materials and Methods

-The primers sequences should be provided as a table.

Reviewer #3: The artice is devoted to the actual topic concerning the search of a new prognostic marker for colorectal cancer. The article is clearly written and contains a sufficient amount of introduction and discussion. The results are well structured and illustrated. I recommend the article for acceptance.

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Reviewer #1: No

Reviewer #2: Yes:  Zahra Salehi

Reviewer #3: No

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FAM50A acts as a novel prognostic marker and modulates the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells via CylinA2/CDK2 pathway

PONE-D-24-50052R1

Dear Dr. Li,

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

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Kind regards,

Peng Zhang, Ph.D.

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

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