Decoding colorectal cancer epigenomics

Publication date: Available online 15 November 2017
Source:Cancer Genetics
Author(s): Khalid El Bairi, Kanwal Tariq, Imane Himri, Abdeslam Jaafari, Wiam Smaili, Abdul Hafeez Kandhro, Adel Gouri, Bouchra Ghazi
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is very heterogeneous and presents different types of epigenetic alterations including DNA methylation, histone modifications and microRNAs. These changes are considered as characteristics of various observed clinical phenotypes. Undoubtedly, the discovery of epigenetic pathways with novel epigenetic-related mechanisms constitutes a promising advance in cancer biomarker discovery. In this review, we provide an evidence-based discussing of the current understanding of CRC epigenomics and its role in initiation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and metastasis. We also discuss the recent findings regarding the potential clinical perspectives of these alterations as potent biomarkers for CRC diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy in the era of liquid biopsy.

Graphical abstract

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