Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026

Evaluation of Colorectal Cancer Risk and Prevalence by Stool DNA Integrity Detection
Published on: June 8, 2020
TERT's role in colorectal carcinogenesis.
Andrew J Pellatt1, Roger K Wolff, Jennifer Herrick
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, USA.
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are linked to colorectal cancer risk. Specific TERT SNPs show associations with colon and rectal cancer, influenced by BMI and aspirin use.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Telomere length maintenance is crucial for cell stability.
- Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is a key component of telomerase.
- TERT's role in colorectal cancer (CRC) etiology is under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between TERT single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and colorectal cancer risk.
- To explore interactions between TERT SNPs, Body Mass Index (BMI), and aspirin/NSAID use in CRC.
- To examine TERT SNP associations with specific tumor subtypes (CIMP+, MSI).
Main Methods:
- Case-control study design.
- Genotyping of seven TERT SNPs in 1555 colon cancer cases, 1956 controls, 754 rectal cancer cases, and 959 controls.
- Statistical analysis to assess SNP associations and gene-environment interactions.
Main Results:
- Two TERT SNPs, rs2736118 and TERT-CLPTM1L rs2853668, were associated with colon cancer risk.
- TERT-CLPTM1L rs2853668 was inversely associated with rectal cancer risk.
- Significant interactions were observed between TERT SNPs, BMI, and aspirin/NSAID use.
- Unique associations were found between TERT SNPs and CIMP+ and MSI tumors.
Conclusions:
- TERT SNPs are associated with colon and rectal cancer risk.
- BMI and aspirin/NSAID use modify the risk associated with certain TERT SNPs.
- TERT's role in colorectal carcinogenesis is complex and influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test
Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
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...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...

