Methylation in Colorectal Cancer Publisher



Mokarram P¹ ; Estiar MA² ; Ashktorab H³ Show Affiliations
Source: Epigenetics Territory and Cancer Published:2015

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, but age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) vary widely between different geographical regions. Distinct epidemiological and clinicopathological characteristics of CRCs based on their specific molecular profiles suggest different risk factors and pathways of transformation associated with colon carcinogenesis. Epigenetic events have been involved in the stepwise histological progression of CRC. Evidence for a mechanistic link between DNA methylation and histone deacetylation has also been demonstrated by treating cells with a combination of the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor and the histone deacetylase inhibitor. However, intrinsic and environmental factors that induce DNA methylation changes remain largely unknown. Therefore, in this chapter, our aim has been to define the molecular profiles including patterns of hypermethylation of the most important cancer candidate genes, polymorphism and mutation of specific genes in CRC in our studies, with relatively different environmental and genetic factors compared to Western countries. In addition, the study of DNA methylation in human disease represents an important frontier in medicine. Furthermore, hypermethylation of CpG islands is very common in cancer cells, coupled with the ability to detect methylation with a high degree of sensitivity, and has led to the development of several approaches for the detection of cancer in body fluids. Comparison of gene or protein expression patterns between several types of CRC should reveal fascinating insights into different mechanisms of CRC. Molecular profiling based on epigenetic alteration will eventually allow chemoresponsive patients to be identified with much greater accuracy. © Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2015.