Genomic and Epigenetic Instability in Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in men and the second most common cancer in women worldwide. Both genetic and epigenetic alterations are common in CRC and are the driving force of tumorigenesis. Chromosomal instability, microsatellite instability and CpG island methylator phenotype pathways are responsible for genetic instability in colorectal cancer. Chromosomal instability pathway consists of activation of proto-oncogenes and inactivation of tumor suppression genes and Loss of Heterozogosity (LOH). In this review, we discuss genetic and epigenetic phenomena that can be suggested as biomarkers in colorectal cancer