Moreover, the top 15 key genes involved in the UC and CRC were screened using cytoHubba, including IL1B, CXCL10, CCL20, MMP9, ICAM1, CCL4, CXCR1, MMP3, TLR2, PTGS2, IL1RN, IL6, COL1A2, TIMP1 and CXCL1. Here, COL1A2 is linked to colorectal carcinoma.