Systematic, robust, reversible gene methylation precede sporadic, random genetic mutations in colorectal adenoma-dysplasia-cancer development

Background: Adenoma-dysplasia- colorectal cancer (ADC) development is determined by sequential, random and sporadic (< 45%) mutations. Methylation of selected genes occurs in high frequency (> 95%) in early stages of cancer already. Aims: Reevaluation of the role of epigenetic and genetic alterations in the colorectal adenoma-dysplasia-cancer development using new generation sequencing and methylation arrays. Materials and methods: DNA samples were investigated by a sequencing and a methylation panel (20 normal colon mucosas; 33 adenomas, 17 adenocarcinomas). 12 selected genes frequently affected in colon cancer…