title: DNA Methylation and Colorectal Cancer.
abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major cancers in the world and second death-causing cancer in the US. CRC development involves genetic and epigenetic alterations. Changes in DNA methylation status are believed to be involved at different stages of CRC. Promoter silencing via DNA methylation and hypomethylation of oncogenes alter genes' expression, and can be used as a tool for the early detection of colonic lesions. DNA methylation use as diagnostic and prognostic marker has been described for many cancers including CRC. CpG Islands Methylator Phenotype (CIMP) is one of the underlying CRC mechanisms. This review aims to define methylation signatures in CRC. The analysis of DNA methylation profile in combination with the pathological diagnosis would be useful in predicting CRC tumors' evolution and their prognostic behavior.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Cancer Center, Howard University, College of Medicine; Washington DC.
authors.forename: Hassan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ashktorab
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Howard University, College of Medicine; Washington DC.
authors.forename: Hassan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Brim
keywords: DNA methylation; colon cancer