Epigenetic regulation and colorectal cancer.

Epigenetic silencing of genes is now recognized to be an important mechanism for inactivation of tumor suppressor genes in carcinogenesis. Because the role of genetic alterations in colorectal carcinogenesis has been well studied, colorectal cancer also offers an excellent model for elucidation of epigenetic mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis. DNA methylation and histone modification are involved in a complex network to maintain gene silencing and cause carcinogenesis. DNA methylation of cancer-related gene promoters generally begins early in the process of tumorigenesis, affecting various types of colorectal cancer to differing degrees. These advances in the understanding of the biology of tumorigenesis can be expected to provide distinct biomarkers that will aid future diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment methods for patients with colorectal cancer.