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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Deficient Pms2, ERCC1, Ku86, CcOI in Field Defects During Progression to Colon Cancer
Published on: July 29, 2010
Microsatellite instability in colorectal cancer
1GI Cancer Research Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Sammons Cancer Center and Baylor Research Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA. rickbo@baylorhealth.edu <rickbo@baylorhealth.edu>
Microsatellite instability (MSI), a DNA repair defect, is found in 15% of colorectal cancers. This hypermutable phenotype influences tumor characteristics and patient prognosis, impacting treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a hypermutable phenotype resulting from impaired DNA mismatch repair.
- MSI is present in approximately 15% of colorectal cancers (CRCs).
- CRC with MSI exhibits distinct clinicopathological features and prognostic implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics and implications of MSI in colorectal cancer.
- To differentiate between Lynch syndrome-associated and sporadic MSI- CRC.
- To highlight the clinical relevance of MSI detection in CRC management.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of DNA mismatch repair activity.
- Detection of microsatellite instability in colorectal tumors.
- Correlation of MSI status with clinicopathological features and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- MSI is identified in about 15% of colorectal cancers.
- 3% of MSI cases are linked to Lynch syndrome; 12% are sporadic due to MLH1 promoter hypermethylation.
- MSI-CRC tumors often present in the proximal colon and show specific histological features.
Conclusions:
- MSI is a significant molecular subtype of colorectal cancer with unique characteristics.
- Identifying MSI in colorectal tumors is crucial for understanding disease diversity.
- MSI status influences prognosis and may guide therapeutic decisions in colorectal cancer patients.
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