Potential of faecal RNA in diagnosing colorectal cancer.
Early diagnosis for colorectal cancer (CRC) by monitoring of gastrointestinal epithelial cells is a possible direct approach. Although human faeces form a heterogeneous mixture of gastrointestinal mucosal epithelial cells and other materials, we have developed a method to purify total RNA from human stool samples. The gene for faecal cytokeratin 19 (CK19) was highly expressed in stools from patients with metastatic CRC, but not from patients with non-metastatic CRC or from normal individuals. Thus, purified faecal RNA can be used for the detection of differentially expressed genes. This technique may help identifying meaningful faecal RNA markers for the non-invasive screening of patients with CRC.
Yang
Shung-Haur
SH
Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No 201, Sec 2, Shih-Pai Rd 11217, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Chien
Chih-Cheng
CC
Chen
Chan-Wei
CW
Li
Shih-Yun
SY
Huang
Chi-Jung
CJ
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry*; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D006801:Humans; D007633:Keratins / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D008403:Mass Screening; D012334:RNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis* / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D012334:RNA, Neoplasm; D007633:Keratins