Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026
08:43
Orthotopic Mouse Model of Colorectal Cancer
Published on: December 4, 2007
47.3K
Decoding colorectal cancer epigenomics
Khalid El Bairi1, Kanwal Tariq2, Imane Himri3
1Independent Research Team in Cancer Biology and Bioactive Compounds, Mohamed 1(st) University, Oujda, Morocco.
Cancer Genetics
|January 10, 2018
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) epigenomics, including DNA methylation and microRNAs, drives tumor initiation and metastasis. These epigenetic alterations show promise as biomarkers for CRC diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy, especially with liquid biopsy advancements.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Cancer Biology
- Molecular Oncology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) exhibits significant heterogeneity.
- Epigenetic alterations like DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs are key features of CRC.
- These epigenetic changes correlate with distinct clinical phenotypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of colorectal cancer epigenomics.
- To discuss the role of epigenetics in CRC initiation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and metastasis.
- To explore the clinical potential of epigenetic alterations as biomarkers for CRC diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Evidence-based review of existing literature.
- Analysis of epigenetic mechanisms in colorectal cancer.
- Discussion of recent findings on epigenetic biomarkers.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic pathways and mechanisms are crucial in CRC development.
- Specific epigenetic alterations are linked to tumor progression and metastasis.
- Epigenetic biomarkers offer potential for early detection and personalized treatment.
Conclusions:
- Epigenomic understanding is advancing CRC biomarker discovery.
- Epigenetic alterations are integral to CRC pathogenesis.
- Liquid biopsy holds promise for utilizing epigenetic biomarkers in clinical settings.
Related Concept Videos
02:18Cancer
54.6K
Cancers arise due to mutations in genes involved in the regulation of cell division, which leads to unrestricted cell proliferation. Modern science and medicine have made great strides in the understanding and treatment of cancer, including eradicating cancer in some patients. However, there is still no cure for cancer. This is largely due to the fact that cancer is a large group of many diseases.
54.6K
02:12What is Cancer?
14.5K
Cells and tissues must meticulously coordinate their activities for the normal functioning of the human body. Therefore, they exhibit socially responsible behavior - resting, growing, dividing, differentiating, or dying - for the organism’s benefit. Cancer arises when cells divide uncontrollably and invade other tissues or organs.
Although people have known about cancer for centuries, it was only in 1761 that Giovanni Morgagni of Padua performed a detailed autopsy of...
Although people have known about cancer for centuries, it was only in 1761 that Giovanni Morgagni of Padua performed a detailed autopsy of...
14.5K
02:59Cancer Prevention
8.2K
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
8.2K
02:49Cancer Therapies
10.2K
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
10.2K
01:30Cancer Vaccines
1.1K
Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
1.1K
01:30Skin Cancer
6.1K
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
6.1K