It is unclear whether somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) contribute to the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we aimed to identify the molecular profiles of early colorectal carcinogenesis based on SCNAs and determine the associations of other molecular abnormalities for the detection of neoplasia in both intramucosal neoplasia (IMN) and invasive CRC with invasion into the muscular layer without metastasis (early invasive CRC). A single nucleotide polymorphism array was used to examine 100 colorectal IMNs (low-grade adenoma [LGA], 40; high-grade adenoma [HGA], 25; intramucosal adenocarcinoma [IMA], 35) and early invasive CRC (20 tumors). In addition, genetic mutations (KRAS, BRAF), TP53 overexpression, microsatellite instability (MSI), and DNA methylation (low, intermediate, high) were examined. Hierarchical clustering analysis based on the SCNA pattern was carried out to identify molecular profiles in IMNs and early invasive CRC. Colorectal tumors were classified into three subgroups based on SCNA patterns. Subgroup 1 was characterized by multiple SCNAs, subgroup 3 was closely associated with infrequent SCNAs, and subgroup 2 was an intermediate subgroup in SCNA pattern between subgroups 1 and 3. Although mutations in KRAS were commonly found in all three subgroups, overexpression of TP53 was observed primarily in subgroup 1 and 2. DNA methylation showed a low/intermediate type. Finally, no MSI was detected. Each subgroup was correlated with histology (subgroup 1, early invasive CRC; subgroup 2, LGA; subgroups 2 and 3, HGA and IMA). Considerable SCNAs may be required for acquisition of invasive ability in CRC. Our results provide novel insights into early CRC.
Keywords: colorectal adenoma; colorectal cancer; comprehensive genomic analysis; copy number alteration; microsatellite instability.