Open AccessGenetic and epigenetic changes associated with cholangiocarcinoma: From DNA methylation to microRNAs
Author(s) -
Monique Stutes,
Steven Tran,
Sharon DeMorrow
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
world journal of gastroenterology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.427
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 2219-2840
pISSN - 1007-9327
DOI - 10.3748/wjg.v13.i48.6465
Subject(s) - epigenetics , dna methylation , microrna , biology , cancer research , malignant transformation , neoplastic transformation , methylation , regulation of gene expression , carcinogenesis , gene , gene expression , bioinformatics , pathology , genetics , medicine
Cholangiocarcinomas are malignant epithelial liver tumors arising from the intra- and extra-hepatic bile ducts. Little is known about the molecular development of this disease, and very few effective treatment options are available. Thus, prognosis is poor. Genetic and epigenetic changes play an integral role in the neoplastic transformation of human cells to their malignant counterparts. This review summarizes some of the more prevalent genetic alterations (by microRNA expression) and epigenetic changes (hypermethylation of specific gene promoters) that are thought to contribute to the carcinogenic process in cholangiocarcinoma.