Understanding the role of DNA methylation in colorectal cancer: Mechanisms, detection, and clinical significance

Ningning Zhao; Chuanxi Lai; Yunfei Wang; Sheng Dai; Hongcang Gu

doi:10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189096

Understanding the role of DNA methylation in colorectal cancer: Mechanisms, detection, and clinical significance

Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer. 2024 Mar 17;1879(3):189096. doi: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189096. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Ningning Zhao¹, Chuanxi Lai², Yunfei Wang³, Sheng Dai⁴, Hongcang Gu⁵

Affiliations

¹ Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China; Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China.
² Division of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China.
³ Zhejiang ShengTing Biotech. Ltd, Hangzhou 310000, China.
⁴ Division of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China. Electronic address: daimd@zju.edu.cn.
⁵ Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China; Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China. Electronic address: gu_hongcang@cmpt.ac.cn.

PMID: 38499079
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189096

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the deadliest malignancies worldwide, ranking third in incidence and second in mortality. Remarkably, early stage localized CRC has a 5-year survival rate of over 90%; in stark contrast, the corresponding 5-year survival rate for metastatic CRC (mCRC) is only 14%. Compounding this problem is the staggering lack of effective therapeutic strategies. Beyond genetic mutations, which have been identified as critical instigators of CRC initiation and progression, the importance of epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation (DNAm), cannot be underestimated, given that DNAm can be used for diagnosis, treatment monitoring and prognostic evaluation. This review addresses the intricate mechanisms governing aberrant DNAm in CRC and its profound impact on critical oncogenic pathways. In addition, a comprehensive review of the various techniques used to detect DNAm alterations in CRC is provided, along with an exploration of the clinical utility of cancer-specific DNAm alterations.

Keywords: Clinical application; Colorectal cancer (CRC); CpG islands (CGIs); DNA methylation (DNAm); Mechanisms.

Publication types

Review