title: DNA methylation analysis of secreted frizzled-related protein 2 gene for the early detection of colorectal cancer in fecal DNA.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) with high sensitivity screening is essential for the reduction of cancer-specific mortality. Abnormally methylated genes that are responsible for the pathogenesis of cancers can be used as biomarkers for the detection of CRC. The methylation status of the secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (SFRP2) gene was evaluated for their use as a marker in the noninvasive detection of CRC.
  
  
  METHODS
  Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze the promoter CpG methylation of SFRP2 in the fecal DNA of 25 patients with CRC and 25 individuals exhibiting normal colonoscopy results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Promoter methylation levels of SFRP2 in CRC patients and in healthy controls were 60% and 8%, respectively. Methylation of the SFRP2 promoter in fecal DNA is associated with the presence of colorectal tumors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hence, the detection of aberrantly methylated DNA in fecal samples may present a promising, noninvasive screening method for CRC.
authors.affiliation: Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Hadi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Babaei
authors.affiliation: Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohsen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mohammadi
authors.affiliation: Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Rasoul
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Salehi
keywords: Colorectal cancer; DNA methylation; secreted frizzled-related protein; stool DNA test