Open AccessRole of cancer stem cells in age-related rise in colorectal cancer
Author(s) -
Pratima NangiaMakker,
Yingjie Yu,
Adhip P.N. Majumdar
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
world journal of gastrointestinal pathophysiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2150-5330
DOI - 10.4291/wjgp.v6.i4.86
Subject(s) - medicine , colorectal cancer , cancer , cancer stem cell , malignancy , epigenetics , carcinogenesis , oncology , stem cell , cancer research , biology , genetics , gene
Colorectal cancer (CRC) that comprises about 50% of estimated gastrointestinal cancers remains a high mortality malignancy. It is estimated that CRC will result in 9% of all cancer related deaths. CRC is the third leading malignancy affecting both males and females equally; with 9% of the estimated new cancer cases and 9% cancer related deaths. Sporadic CRC, whose incidence increases markedly with advancing age, occurs in 80%-85% patients diagnosed with CRC. Little is known about the precise biochemical mechanisms responsible for the rise in CRC with aging. However, many probable reasons for this increase have been suggested; among others they include altered carcinogen metabolism and the cumulative effects of long-term exposure to cancer-causing agents. Herein, we propose a role for self-renewing, cancer stem cells (CSCs) in regulating these cellular events. In this editorial, we have briefly described the recent work on the evolution of CSCs in gastro-intestinal track especially in the colon, and how they are involved in the age-related rise in CRC. Focus of this editorial is to provide a description of (1) CSC; (2) epigenetic and genetic mechanisms giving rise to CSCs; (3) markers of CSC; (4) characteristics; and (5) age-related increase in CSC in the colonic crypt.