[Colorectal cancer biology]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) progression involves genetic alterations from adenoma to carcinoma and metastasis.
• Three primary carcinogenesis mechanisms are identified: chromosomal instability (CIN), microsatellite instability (MSI), and CpG Island methylation phenotype (CIMP).
• Dysfunctional signaling pathways, including EGFR, WNT/APC, TGFB, and p53, are implicated in CRC development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the molecular mechanisms underlying colorectal cancer progression.
• To highlight the classification of CRC based on molecular signatures.
• To discuss the role of circulating biomarkers in CRC characterization.

Main Methods:

• Review of genetic alterations and molecular phenotypes in colorectal cancer.
• Analysis of key signaling pathways involved in CRC carcinogenesis.
• Examination of recent molecular classifications and biomarker investigations.

Main Results:

• Genetic alterations are crucial in CRC progression, with CIN, MSI, and CIMP representing distinct pathways.
• Signaling pathway dysfunctions (EGFR, WNT/APC, TGFB, p53) are integral to cancer mechanisms.
• Emerging molecular signatures allow for the distinction of four CRC subtypes.
• Circulating biomarkers are under investigation for molecular characterization of CRC.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the distinct molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways is essential for comprehending CRC progression.
• Molecular signatures provide a basis for classifying CRC into distinct subtypes.
• Investigating circulating biomarkers holds promise for future CRC diagnosis and characterization.