EPFL Logo
fr|en
Login
Publication

Transposable elements mediate genetic effects altering the expression of nearby genes in colorectal cancer

Didier Trono, Evaristo Jose Planet Letschert, Nikolaos Lykoskoufis
2024
Journal paper
Abstract

Transposable elements (TEs) are prevalent repeats in the human genome, play a significant role in the regulome, and their disruption can contribute to tumorigenesis. However, TE influence on gene expression in cancer remains unclear. Here, we analyze 275 normal colon and 276 colorectal cancer samples from the SYSCOL cohort, discovering 10,231 and 5,199 TE-expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) in normal and tumor tissues, respectively, of which 376 are colorectal cancer specific eQTLs, likely due to methylation changes. Tumor-specific TE-eQTLs show greater enrichment of transcription factors, compared to shared TE-eQTLs suggesting specific regulation of their expression in tumor. Bayesian networks reveal 1,766 TEs as mediators of genetic effects, altering the expression of 1,558 genes, including 55 known cancer driver genes and show that tumor-specific TE-eQTLs trigger the driver capability of TEs. These insights expand our knowledge of cancer drivers, deepening our understanding of tumorigenesis and presenting potential avenues for therapeutic interventions.

Official source
About this result
This page is automatically generated and may contain information that is not correct, complete, up-to-date, or relevant to your search query. The same applies to every other page on this website. Please make sure to verify the information with EPFL's official sources.
Ontological neighbourhood
Biology
Related concepts (34)
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as bowel cancer, colon cancer, or rectal cancer, is the development of cancer from the colon or rectum (parts of the large intestine). Signs and symptoms may include blood in the stool, a change in bowel movements, weight loss, and fatigue. Most colorectal cancers are due to old age and lifestyle factors, with only a small number of cases due to underlying genetic disorders. Risk factors include diet, obesity, smoking, and lack of physical activity.
Brain tumor
A brain tumor occurs when abnormal cells form within the brain. There are two main types of tumors: malignant tumors and benign (non-cancerous) tumors. These can be further classified as primary tumors, which start within the brain, and secondary tumors, which most commonly have spread from tumors located outside the brain, known as brain metastasis tumors. All types of brain tumors may produce symptoms that vary depending on the size of the tumor and the part of the brain that is involved.
Somatic evolution in cancer
Somatic evolution is the accumulation of mutations and epimutations in somatic cells (the cells of a body, as opposed to germ plasm and stem cells) during a lifetime, and the effects of those mutations and epimutations on the fitness of those cells. This evolutionary process has first been shown by the studies of Bert Vogelstein in colon cancer. Somatic evolution is important in the process of aging as well as the development of some diseases, including cancer. Cells in pre-malignant and malignant neoplasms (tumors) evolve by natural selection.
Show more
Related publications (88)

The role of LRRK2 in lung adenocarcinoma

Aspasia Gkasti

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and the most commonlung cancer subtype is lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Frequently mutated genes involveactivating mutations in KRAS and loss of function mutations in TP53. LUADs primarily a ...
EPFL2024

6-diazo-5-oxo-l-norleucine prodrugs

Xile Hu, Li Tang, Céline Jasmin Prange

The present invention relates to 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine prodrugs having reduced toxicity and increased tumor specificity and to their therapeutic use for treating cancer. ...
2024

Mechanism of KRAS-driven T cell infiltration in colorectal cancer

Amber Dawn Bowler

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Early-stage disease can be detected with preventative medical screening and is treatable with surgical resection. Sixty-percent of patients, however, are diagnosed with advanced-stage ...
EPFL2023
Show more
Related MOOCs (6)
Neuroscience Reconstructed: Cell Biology
This course will provide the fundamental knowledge in neuroscience required to understand how the brain is organised and how function at multiple scales is integrated to give rise to cognition and beh
Neuroscience Reconstructed: Cell Biology
This course will provide the fundamental knowledge in neuroscience required to understand how the brain is organised and how function at multiple scales is integrated to give rise to cognition and beh
Neuroscience Reconstructed: Genetics and Brain Development
This course will provide the fundamental knowledge in neuroscience required to understand how the brain is organised and how function at multiple scales is integrated to give rise to cognition and beh
Show more

Copyright © 2025 EPFL, all rights reserved

Graph Chatbot

Chat with Graph Search

Ask any question about EPFL courses, lectures, exercises, research, news, etc. or try the example questions below.

DISCLAIMER: The Graph Chatbot is not programmed to provide explicit or categorical answers to your questions. Rather, it transforms your questions into API requests that are distributed across the various IT services officially administered by EPFL. Its purpose is solely to collect and recommend relevant references to content that you can explore to help you answer your questions.