Identification of an intermediate signature that marks the initial phases of colorectal adenoma-carcinoma transition

The colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence describes the stepwise progression from normal to dysplastic epithelium and then to carcinoma; only a small proportion of colorectal adenoma (CRA) progresses to colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Presently, endoscopic intervention is used on patients with CRAs of high grade dysplasia, diameters > 1 cm, or villous components > 25% who are at higher risk than other CRA sufferers. During the process, biopsy samples were taken for conventional histological diagnosis, but poor pathomorphological sensitivity and specificity greatly limit the diagnostic accuracy. Unfortunately, there are no reliable molecular criteria available that can predict the potential development of CRA to CRC. In present study, we use microarrays to detail the global programme of gene expression underlying the gradual progress of colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence.

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Tang H, Guo Q, Zhang C, Zhu J, Yang H, Zou YL, Yan Y, Hong D, Sou T, Yan XM