Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer
Published on: September 18, 2020
The molecular biology of gastrointestinal cancer: implications for diagnosis and therapy
1Baylor Research Institute and Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center (H-250), 3500 Gaston Avenue, Dallas, TX 75246, USA. rickbo@baylorhealth.edu
Abstract:
Cancers are caused by the sequential accumulation of alterations in genes that control the growth, differentiation, and other behaviors of cells. It has long been recognized that cancers are very heterogeneous pathologically, which is a reflection of the variable genetic lesions that give rise to the variety of lesions present in the gastrointestinal tract. Despite this complexity, certain types of genetic alterations are linked to specific pathologic lesions. This review summarizes the current understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of gastrointestinal neoplasia and provides explanations for some of the pathologic variability of lesions encountered by the endoscopist.
Related Concept Videos
Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Metastasis
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell
Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test
