Epigenetic Alteration in Colorectal Cancer: A Biomarker for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Application

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. A crucial process that initiates and progresses CRC is various epigenetic and genetic changes occurring in colon epithelial cells. Recently, huge progress has been made to understand cancer epigenetics, especially regarding DNA methylation changes, histone modifications, dysregulation of miRNAs and noncoding RNAs. In the epigenome of colon cancer, abnormal methylation of genes that cause gene alterations or expression of miRNA has been reported in nearly all CRC; these findings can be encountered in the average CRC methylome. Epigenetic changes, known as driving events, are assumed to play a dominant part in CRC. Furthermore, as epigenetic changes in CRC become properly understood, these changes are being established as clinical biomarkers for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Progression in this area indicates that epigenetic changes will often be utilized in the future to prevent and treat CRC.

Automated summary

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The initiation and progression of CRC are closely associated with various epigenetic and genetic changes in colon epithelial cells. Recent advances in understanding cancer epigenetics, particularly DNA methylation changes, histone modifications, dysregulation of miRNAs and noncoding RNAs, have provided significant insights. Abnormal methylation of genes causing gene alterations or miRNA expression has been reported in almost all CRC cases, indicating the important role of epigenetic changes in CRC. Furthermore, epigenetic changes are being established as clinical biomarkers for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes, showing promise for the prevention and treatment of CRC in the future.