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Epigenetic modifications in colorectal cancer: molecular insights and therapeutic challenges

Aristeidis G Vaiopoulos1, Kalliopi Ch Athanasoula1, Athanasios G Papavassiliou1

  • 1Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|February 25, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetic mechanisms significantly influence colorectal cancer development and progression. Understanding these changes offers new avenues for personalized diagnostics and treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Colorectal cancer is a major global health concern.
  • It arises from genetic and epigenetic alterations.
  • Epigenetic changes are crucial throughout tumor development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of epigenetic mechanisms in colorectal cancer.
  • To explore their implications in tumor biology.
  • To discuss their translational applications from research to clinical practice.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of epigenetic mechanisms in colorectal cancer.
  • Analysis of DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs.
  • Examination of cancer stem cell promotion and epigenetic dysregulation.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic aberrations impact all stages of colorectal cancer, including initiation and metastasis.
  • These mechanisms are involved in cancer stem cell promotion.
  • The complex interplay of epigenetic factors drives colorectal carcinogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Elucidating epigenetic crosstalk provides insights into colorectal cancer pathogenesis.
  • Epigenetic mechanisms open new possibilities for personalized therapies.
  • Novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapy-assessment markers can be developed based on epigenetic alterations.
Keywords:
Colorectal cancerDNA methylationEpigeneticsHistone modificationPrognosisTherapy

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