LabMedica

Download Mobile App
Recent News Expo Clinical Chem. Molecular Diagnostics Hematology Immunology Microbiology Pathology Technology Industry Focus

Genetic Susceptibility Loci Identified for Colorectal Tumors

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 03 Mar 2013
Print article
The genetic loci associated with colorectal tumor formation have been identified and could elucidate the mechanisms of pathogenesis.

Over the past several years, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), which focus on common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), have successfully discovered low-penetrance loci for colorectal cancer.

A genome-wide association study was conducted that included 14 studies, 12,696 cases of colorectal tumors (11,870 cancer, 826 adenoma), and 15,113 controls of European descent. Of 2.7 million genetic variants identified, the 10 most statistically significant, previously unreported findings were followed up in six studies; these included 3,056 colorectal tumor cases (2,098 cancers, 958 adenomas) and 6,658 controls of European and Asian descent. The study was led by scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Seattle, WA, USA).

The international team uncovered mutations in the following genes which were all genetic variants that previously had not been associated with colorectal cancer: nucleic acid-binding protein (NABP), a gene involved in DNA repair; laminin, gamma 1 (LAMC1), the second gene in the laminin gene family found to be associated with colorectal cancer; cyclin D2 (CCND2), a gene involved in cell-cycle control, which is a key control mechanism to prevent cancer development; and T-box 3 (TBX3), a gene transcription factor that targets a known colorectal cancer pathway.

Ulrike Peters, PhD, MPH, the senior author of the study said, "If a person carries one or two copies of any of these genetic variants, their risk of colorectal cancer is increased by 10% to 40% compared to a person who does not harbor such DNA genetic variants. These findings could potentially lead to new drug targets and, in combination with previously identified genetic and environmental risk factors, identify subgroups of the population that can benefit most from colorectal-cancer screening and could be targeted for early or more frequent endoscopy, a very effective screening tool for colorectal cancer." The study was published online on December 21, 2012, ahead of the April print issue of the journal Gastroenterology.

Related Links:
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center


Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Magnetic Bead Separation Modules
MAG and HEATMAG
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Test
GPP-100 Anti-CCP Kit
Gold Member
ADAMTS-13 Protease Activity Test
ATS-13 Activity Assay

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The 3D printed miniature ionizer is a key component of a mass spectrometer (Photo courtesy of MIT)

3D Printed Point-Of-Care Mass Spectrometer Outperforms State-Of-The-Art Models

Mass spectrometry is a precise technique for identifying the chemical components of a sample and has significant potential for monitoring chronic illness health states, such as measuring hormone levels... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The CAPILLARYS 3 DBS devices have received U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance (Photo courtesy of Sebia)

Next Generation Instrument Screens for Hemoglobin Disorders in Newborns

Hemoglobinopathies, the most widespread inherited conditions globally, affect about 7% of the population as carriers, with 2.7% of newborns being born with these conditions. The spectrum of clinical manifestations... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The AI predictive model identifies the most potent cancer killing immune cells for use in immunotherapies (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

AI Predicts Tumor-Killing Cells with High Accuracy

Cellular immunotherapy involves extracting immune cells from a patient's tumor, potentially enhancing their cancer-fighting capabilities through engineering, and then expanding and reintroducing them into the body.... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The T-SPOT.TB test is now paired with the Auto-Pure 2400 liquid handling platform for accurate TB testing (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Integrated Solution Ushers New Era of Automated Tuberculosis Testing

Tuberculosis (TB) is responsible for 1.3 million deaths every year, positioning it as one of the top killers globally due to a single infectious agent. In 2022, around 10.6 million people were diagnosed... Read more