Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 5, 2025
06:38
A Three-dimensional Model of Spheroids to Study Colon Cancer Stem Cells
Published on: January 22, 2021
6.5K
Modeling colorectal cancer evolution.
Atsushi Niida1, Koshi Mimori2, Tatsuhiro Shibata3,4
1Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Human Genome Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. aniida@ims.u-tokyo.ac.jp.
Journal of Human Genetics
|May 14, 2021
Summary
This study models colorectal cancer evolution using genomic analysis and mathematical modeling. It reveals how subclones develop and suggests using clonal competition to overcome therapeutic resistance and prevent cancer relapse.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Computational Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Colorectal cancer presents significant therapeutic challenges.
- Understanding cancer evolution is key to overcoming treatment resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct an evolutionary model of colorectal cancer.
- To explore therapeutic strategies based on cancer evolution insights.
Main Methods:
- Combined genomic analysis with mathematical modeling.
- Developed an evolutionary model of colorectal cancer progression.
- Analyzed subclone generation and expansion dynamics.
Main Results:
- Driver mutations and copy number alterations drive malignant subclone expansion.
- Intratumor heterogeneity arises from neutral mutation accumulation.
- Mathematical modeling indicates clonal competition can suppress relapse.
Conclusions:
- Cancer evolution modeling offers insights into colorectal cancer.
- Targeting clonal competition may overcome therapeutic resistance.
- Integrated genomic and mathematical approaches are vital for future cancer research.
Related Concept Videos
02:43Mouse Models of Cancer Study
5.9K
Mice have long served as models for studying human biology and pathology because of their phylogenetic and physiological similarity with humans. They are also easy to maintain and breed in the laboratory, and hence, many inbred strains are now available for research. Studies on mice have contributed immeasurably to our understanding of cancer biology.
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...
5.9K
02:07Tumor Progression
6.8K
Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
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...
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...
6.8K