EPIGENETIC AND TRANSCRIPTOMIC ANALYSIS OF COLORECTAL CANCER: UNVEILING PATHWAY-SPECIFIC REGULATORY MECHANISMS

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has been reported to be among the most common cause of cancer death across the globe. The proposed research will seek to examine the combined influences of gene expression and changes in the DNA methylation of CRC in relation to significant cancer-related pathways, including the PI3K-AKT-mTOR, Notch, and RAS-RAF-MEK signaling pathways. Based on publicly available transcriptomic and epigenomic data, we have performed an extensive analysis of the differentially expressed and methylated genes in normal, primary CRC, and liver metastasis tissues. We have obtained some important changes in the expression and methylation of genes related to tumor development, where PIK3CA, AKT1, MYC, and CDKN1A become the key participants in the pathogenesis of CRC. Moreover, the combination of these data demonstrates the opportunities of epigenetic medications which could alter DNA methylations and histone to reinstate the activity of tumor suppressor genes and suppress oncogenes. This paper offers a meaningful contribution to the understanding of the molecular pathways of the CRC progression and suggests possible treatment options, such as combination therapy that may address genetic and epigenetic changes.