| Theme |
Molecular Medicine of Gastrointestinal Disorders : from Basics to Applications |
| Title |
Whole Genome Association Studies in Gastrointestinal Cancers |
| Author |
Hiroshi Inoue |
Department of Molecular and Surgical Oncology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University |
| Author |
Masaki Mori |
Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University |
| [ Summary ] |
Whole genome association studies, using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) genetic signatures have increasingly been applied to research on digestive tract malignancies including esophageal, gastric and colorectal cancer. Recent studies have revealed that a family of ALDH (acetaldehyde dehydrogenase) genes, PSCA (prostate stem cell antigens) and chromosome 8 (8q24) polymorphism, were found to be highly associated with particular types of cancer. For individuals with risky SNPs signatures, indicating malignancy, health checks for the early detection of cancer would be applicable. Research on the connection between SNPs and carcinoma is fundamentally important and may make it possible to reduce financial expenditures for medical care. |