Differences in DNA methylation signatures reveal multiple pathways of progression from adenoma to colorectal cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Genetic and epigenetic alterations contribute to the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). There is considerable molecular heterogeneity among colorectal tumors, which appears to arise as polyps progress to cancer. This heterogeneity results in different pathways to tumorigenesis. Although epigenetic and genetic alterations have been detected in conventional tubular adenomas, little is known about how these affect progression to CRC. We compared methylomes of normal colon mucosa, tubular adenomas, and colorectal cancers to determine how epigenetic alterations might contribute to cancer formation.

Methods

We conducted genome-wide array-based studies and comprehensive data analyses of aberrantly methylated loci in 41 normal colon tissue, 42 colon adenomas,

SUBMITTER: Luo Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4107146 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature