[Stem cell theory of colorectal cancer and its connection with molecular-biological data]

[mRNA expression analysis and classification of colonic biopsy samples using oligonucleotide and cDNA microarray techniques]

Despite tremendous progress in the past few decades, certain important aspects regarding the diagnosis, therapy, and follow-up of colorectal cancer still remain unsolved. In our work we searched for biomarkers of the development of colorectal carcinoma, and performed gene expression analysis for colorectal disease classification. We have established that the oligonucleotide microarray analyses of biopsy samples wholly fulfil the Affymetrix quality requirements, are highly standard and reproducible and the Taqman microfluidic card system is suitable for high-throughput, quick and cost efficient real-time-PCR validation of gene expression changes. We have shown that the sequential overexpression of osteopontin and osteonectin mRNAs and proteins significantly correlates with the progression of the colorectal adenoma-dysplasia-carcinoma sequence. We have identified and validated ten novel markers with continuously increasing mRNA expression in line with the adenoma-dysplasia-carcinoma transition. We have identified the top 27, 13 and 10 genes associated with adenoma, colorectal cancer, and inflammatory bowel diseases.