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Review
. 2021 Jun;35(11-12):787-820.
doi: 10.1101/gad.348226.120.

Genetic and biological hallmarks of colorectal cancer

Jiexi Li  1 , Xingdi Ma  1 , Deepavali Chakravarti  1 , Shabnam Shalapour  1 , Ronald A DePinho  1
Affiliations
Review

Genetic and biological hallmarks of colorectal cancer

Jiexi Li et al. Genes Dev. 2021 Jun.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer has served as a genetic and biological paradigm for the evolution of solid tumors, and these insights have illuminated early detection, risk stratification, prevention, and treatment principles. Employing the hallmarks of cancer framework, we provide a conceptual framework to understand how genetic alterations in colorectal cancer drive cancer cell biology properties and shape the heterotypic interactions across cells in the tumor microenvironment. This review details research advances pertaining to the genetics and biology of colorectal cancer, emerging concepts gleaned from immune and single-cell profiling, and critical advances and remaining knowledge gaps influencing the development of effective therapies for this cancer that remains a major public health burden.

Keywords: CRC; cancer genetics; cancer therapy development; colorectal cancer; tumor microenviornment.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Colorectal cancer “conventional adenoma–carcinoma–metastasis” model and corresponding cancer hallmarks.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Growth signaling and their interconnection in CRC.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Aerobic glycolysis and metabolic remodeling of the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Current treatment strategies approved for or tested in clinical trials targeting the hallmarks of colorectal cancer and knowledge gaps remaining as obstacles to improve treatment efficacy.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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