The DEGs can be broadly categorized into seven functional groups in how they relate to cancer: angiogenic and tumor migration (e.g., PRSS2, PRSS21, BP1FB1, MT4-MMP, AQP5, SOX2), immune response and inflammation (e.g., MIF, MSLN, PPBP), metabolic processes (e.g., APOA2, CCK), signal transduction and cellular communication (e., GABRA3, HTR2C, HHATL, TBC1D3D/TBC1D3E), cellular adhesion and structure (e.g., CDH9, KRT78, KRT76, MUC5AC, MUC6), transcription regulation and development (e.g., PTF1A, PAX7, NKX6-3), and other functions (e.g., MKRN3, PNMA5, FSTL5). The gene discussed is NKX6-3; the disease is cancer.