[Genetics and epigenetics of colorectal cancer]

Abstract

Genetic and epigenetic influences as well as dietary factors play an important role in the initiation and progression of cancer. More specifically, colorectal cancer (CRC) is influenced by dietary habits and it has been established that genetic and epigenetic changes are involved in the carcinogenesis. Within the CRC are hereditary syndromes (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer and familial adenomatous polyposis), which present germ line mutations on specific genes like hMLH1 and also changes on promoter's methylation, and sporadic cases, where the environment and individual's habits, both major components of epigenetics, partly define the initiation and development of cancer. Therefore the epigenetic is established as another way of carcinogenesis. Identify the factors that would predict the beginning of CRC is critical, as it is a rather silent disease which is observed clinically at an advanced stage.