Author： Ng Jennifer Mun-Kar Yu Jun
Publisher： MDPI
E-ISSN： 1422-0067|16|2|2472-2496
ISSN： 1422-0067
Source： International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Vol.16, Iss.2, 2015-01, pp. : 2472-2496
Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. It results from the accumulation of multiple genetic and epigenetic changes leading to the transformation of colon epithelial cells into invasive adenocarcinomas. In CRC, epigenetic changes, in particular promoter CpG island methylation, occur more frequently than genetic mutations. Hypermethylation contributes to carcinogenesis by inducing transcriptional silencing or downregulation of tumour suppressor genes and currently, over 600 candidate hypermethylated genes have been identified. Over the past decade, a deeper understanding of epigenetics coupled with technological advances have hinted at the potential of translating benchtop research into biomarkers for clinical use. DNA methylation represents one of the largest bodies of literature in epigenetics, and hence has the highest potential for minimally invasive biomarker development. Most progress has been made in the development of diagnostic markers and there are currently two, one stool-based and one blood-based, biomarkers that are commercially available for diagnostics. Prognostic and predictive methylation markers are still at their infantile stages.
Related content
Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer
By Tanaka Takuji Tanaka Mayu Tanaka Takahiro Ishigamori Rikako
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Vol. 11, Iss. 9, 2010-09 ,pp. :
Access to resources
Recommend
Genetic and Epigenetic Traits as Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer
By Berg Marianne Søreide Kjetil
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Vol. 12, Iss. 12, 2011-12 ,pp. :
Potential Targets for Colorectal Cancer Prevention
By Temraz Sally Mukherji Deborah Shamseddine Ali
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Vol. 14, Iss. 9, 2013-08 ,pp. :
Circulating MicroRNAs: Potential Biomarkers for Cancer
By Yu De-Cai Li Qing-Guo Ding Xi-Wei Ding Yi-Tao
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Vol. 12, Iss. 3, 2011-03 ,pp. :