The role of differentially methylated genes in the initiation and progression of colorectal cancers

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Most colorectal cancers develop from polyps in the lining of the bowel. The bulk of cancers develop from adenomatous polyps, but we have found that a second type of polyp called a hyperplatic polyp can also be associated with the development of cancer. During our studies of these polyps we found that a particular gene was inactivated in all of these polyps. We have called this gene HPP1. HPP1 was also found to be inactivated in adenomatous polyps and about 50% of colorectal cancers, indicating that it may be an important player in the early stages of colorectal cancer and hence may allow opportunity for prevetive intervention. This grant proposal will investigate the function of HPP1 in the genesis of colorectal polyps and cancers.