Study focus
In this project we are going to look at the DNA methylation patterns in colon tissue samples from different stages of cancer development. These samples where taken during colonoscopy. Later we can see if these differences might be linked to what's happening in the gut and blood.
Aims
Identify epigenetic differences between non-neoplastic findings, non-advanced lesions, advanced lesions, and colorectal cancer.
Identify associations and correlations between the epigenomic profiles of the lesions with clinical factors, gut microbiome and blood transcriptome biomarkers.
Epigenetic vs. DNA Analysis
Epigenetics - Studies molecular modifications on DNA that regulate gene activity without altering the DNA sequence.
DNA analysis (not used in this project) - Studies the presence of genes and the gene content, which is constant throughout life.
Epigenetic analyses offer insights into how environmental and lifestyle factors impact gene expression, while DNA analyses explore inherited genetic variations.
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DNA extraction from the colon tissue, and production of DNA methylation profiles, will be performed in established collaborations. The extraction will be performed at Akershus University Hospital, and the production of DNA methylation profiles will be performed in Germany at Life & Brain, which is one of the leading service providers for all types of microarray experiments using Illumina technology in Europe.
Status
The tissue samples collected during colonoscopy were obtained from two Norwegian hospitals: Østfold Hospital and Vestre Viken Hospital. In total, approximately 500 samples met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study, with around half of the samples coming from each hospital.
DNA was extracted from all included tissue samples and sent to the service laboratory for DNA methylation analysis.
We have now received the DNA methylation data and are currently working on data processing and analysis, to look for patterns or changes that might be associated with colorectal cancer development.