Current advances in detecting genetic and epigenetic biomarkers of colorectal cancer

Boron-doped diamond electrochemical biosensors

Biomarkers are essential tools for identifying and monitoring disease throughout pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Advanced technology, such as electrochemical biosensors, have emerged as powerful tools as sensitive, selective and cost-efficient tools to identify biomarkers. Among these, boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes have gained significant attention due to their functional characteristics that include wide potential window, low background current, biocompatibility and stability. These attributes enable the precise detection of biomarkers at very low concentration even in complex biologic matrices, making BDD-based biosensors uniquely suitable for clinical and point-of-care diagnostics. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of BDD electrodes, including synthesis, material properties and surface modification techniques aimed at enhancing electrochemical performance. Furthermore, the review discusses the use of BDD-based biosensors in the early detection of major diseases such as cancer, metabolic disorders and infection. By incorporating recent advancements, this article highlights the significant potential of BDD-based electrochemical biosensors in modern medical diagnostics and provides a foundation for future research.

Identification and functional characterization of prognosis-related ferroptosis-associated lncRNAs in colorectal cancer

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant global health burden, with current treatment strategies often limited by the TNM classification system's inability to fully capture tumor heterogeneity. This study aims to explore the biological functions and prognostic value of differentially expressed ferroptosis-related long non-coding RNAs (DEFRlncRNAs) in CRC.

Methods

We utilized the TCGA database to identify DEFRlncRNAs associated with CRC prognosis. Through multivariate Cox regression analysis, we constructed a prognostic model and selected three key lncRNAs: Lnc-SH2D3A-2, Lnc-LSS-1, and Lnc-PEX11G-4. We assessed their expression in CRC and normal colonic epithelial cell lines using qPCR. Further functional assays included ferroptosis induction with RSL3 and Erastin, cell viability assessments, immunofluorescence staining for lipid peroxidation, and Western blot analysis of ferroptosis-related proteins.

Results

Our analysis identified 15 DEFRlncRNAs significantly associated with CRC prognosis, with Lnc-SH2D3A-2, Lnc-LSS-1, and Lnc-PEX11G-4 showing high basal expression in CRC cell lines. Knockdown of Lnc-LSS-1 and Lnc-PEX11G-4 in HT29 and DLD1 cells resulted in significant inhibition of ferroptosis induced by RSL3 and Erastin. The mechanism behind the suppression of ferroptosis by knockdown of Lnc-LSS-1 and Lnc-PEX11G-4 may involve the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and the upregulation of GPX4 expression.

Conclusion

DEFRlncRNAs, particularly Lnc-LSS-1 and Lnc-PEX11G-4, play crucial roles in regulating ferroptosis in CRC. These lncRNAs have potential as novel prognostic markers and therapeutic targets, providing valuable insights for personalized CRC treatment strategies.

Androgen Receptors in Human Breast Cancer and Female Canine Mammary Tumors

This review explores the potential role of androgens in human breast cancer and female canine mammary tumors. Human breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women globally, while female canine mammary tumors provide a natural model for the study of human breast cancer due to their similar histopathologies and molecular features. Androgen receptors, typically linked to male sex hormones, are present in up to 90% of human breast tumors. These receptors interact with estrogen-receptor signaling, suggesting their involvement in a complex mechanism in cancer progression. Androgen receptors have become key players in breast cancer biology, offering new targets for therapeutic strategies. The presence of these receptors in both human and canine tumors raises important questions about their role in the development of these malignancies. While the exact mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated, research suggests that targeting androgen-receptor signaling could be a novel therapeutic approach for both humans and canines. Further studies are necessary to fully understand the implications of androgen-receptor expression and to develop more effective targeted therapies for these cancers.

Robust Predictive Performance of MLPAS and CCMLP for Clinical Outcome and Risk Stratification in Patients with Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

There is no recognized biomarker is recommended to monitor or predict the prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with negative detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) or carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and to classify high recurrence-risk cases.

METHODS

Discovery and two-stage validation cohorts, which included 2111 radically resected patients with stage II-III CRC, were enrolled in this study. We detected preoperative peripheral monocyte, platelet, albumin (Alb), pre-albumin (pAlb), CEA, and CA19-9 and investigated the prognostic and risk-stratified roles of twelve new inflammatory biomarkers in the three cohorts.

RESULTS

In our study, monocyte-to-pAlb ratio (MPAR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte -to-Alb ratio (MLAR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte-to-pAlb ratio (MLPAR), monocyte- to-pAlb score (MPAS), lymphocyte-to-monocyte-Alb score (MLAS), lymphocyte-to monocyte-pAlb score (MLPAS), and platelet-to-lymphocyte-Alb score (PLAS) were significantly associated with both RFS and OS in three cohorts. MLPAS showed the best performance in predicting RFS and OS, and it was related to right-tumor location and significant cancer burden (≥5cm) in the overall population. Moreover, MLPAS is a robust prognostic biomarker in subgroups stratified by CEA or CA19-9. Patients with scores zero and two of the CEA-CA19-9-MLPAS score (CCMLP) showed the lowest and highest recurrence and death rates, respectively, and significant survival differences were observed between them.

CONCLUSION

MLPAS is an optimal, independent, and robust prognostic biomarker in the stage II-III CRC population, especially with negative CEA or CA19-9. The CCMLP could effectively classify high recurrence-risk patients who require more focus, monitoring, and treatment for the clinic.

Polymerase Chain Reaction Chips for Biomarker Discovery and Validation in Drug Development

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) chips are advanced, microfluidic platforms that have revolutionized biomarker discovery and validation because of their high sensitivity, specificity, and throughput levels. These chips miniaturize traditional PCR processes for the speed and precision of nucleic acid biomarker detection relevant to advancing drug development. Biomarkers, which are useful in helping to explain disease mechanisms, patient stratification, and therapeutic monitoring, are hard to identify and validate due to the complexity of biological systems and the limitations of traditional techniques. The challenges to which PCR chips respond include high-throughput capabilities coupled with real-time quantitative analysis, enabling researchers to identify novel biomarkers with greater accuracy and reproducibility. More recent design improvements of PCR chips have further expanded their functionality to also include digital and multiplex PCR technologies. Digital PCR chips are ideal for quantifying rare biomarkers, which is essential in oncology and infectious disease research. In contrast, multiplex PCR chips enable simultaneous analysis of multiple targets, therefore simplifying biomarker validation. Furthermore, single-cell PCR chips have made it possible to detect biomarkers at unprecedented resolution, hence revealing heterogeneity within cell populations. PCR chips are transforming drug development, enabling target identification, patient stratification, and therapeutic efficacy assessment. They play a major role in the development of companion diagnostics and, therefore, pave the way for personalized medicine, ensuring that the right patient receives the right treatment. While this tremendously promising technology has exhibited many challenges regarding its scalability, integration with other omics technologies, and conformity with regulatory requirements, many still prevail. Future breakthroughs in chip manufacturing, the integration of artificial intelligence, and multi-omics applications will further expand PCR chip capabilities. PCR chips will not only be important for the acceleration of drug discovery and development but also in raising the bar in improving patient outcomes and, hence, global health care as these technologies continue to mature.

Evaluating diagnostic performance: A comparative analysis of cell-free DNA and serological test in hepatic cystic Echinococcosis

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. Diagnosing CE primarily relies on imaging techniques, and there is a crucial need for an objective laboratory test to enhance the diagnostic process. Today, cell-free DNAs (cfDNAs) have gained importance regarding their biomarker potential. This study aims to investigate the diagnostic capabilities of different cfDNA targets (Echinococcus-specific repeat sequences (mgs-4 and mgs-12) and partial fragment of repetitive sequence (EG1 Hae III)) and evaluate their diagnostic effectiveness when compared to a frequently used commercial E.granulosus-specific IgG ELISA. Seventy-six confirmed hepatic CE patients and healthy controls were included in the study. The EG1 Hae III region was assessed using nested PCR, whereas real-time PCR was employed to investigate other cfDNA targets. Analysis of the cfDNA-targeted tests indicated that mgs-4 demonstrated the highest diagnostic efficacy in distinguishing CE patients from healthy controls, achieving a sensitivity of 60.5% (p = 0.002). Combining ELISA with the mgs-4 target led to an increased sensitivity of 72.4% for distinguishing between CE patients and the control group. The sensitivity rates for ELISA and the three cfDNA targets varied among the groups. Active CE patients showed sensitivity rates of 52.9%, 52.9%, 23.5%, and 52.9% for ELISA, mgs-4, mgs-12, and EG1 Hae III assays, respectively. In contrast, inactive cyst patients displayed sensitivity rates of 21.4%, 66.7%, 19%, and 42.9% for the corresponding assays. The mgs-4, either alone or in combination with ELISA, demonstrated notably higher sensitivity values for CE diagnosis in all group comparisons compared to serology.

A novel platform for mutation detection in colorectal cancer using a PNA-LNA molecular switch

Detection of KRAS mutation in colorectal cancer (CRC) is important in the prediction of response to target therapy. The study aims to develop a novel mutation detection platform called the "PNA-LNA molecular switch" for the detection of KRAS mutation in CRC. We employed the enhanced binding specificity of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) and locked nucleic acid (LNA) in conjunction with a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) approach to identify the mutation status of KRAS oncogene codon 12 (c.35G>T/G12V and c.35G>A/G12D) using synthetic oligonucleotides and colon cancer cell lines (Caco-2 and SW480). This method specifically blocked the amplification of the wild-type sequences while substantially amplifying the mutated ones, which was visualized by both colorimetric and fluorescence assays. We then checked the mutation profile of KRAS codon 12 in the DNA derived from tumor tissue samples (number of samples, n = 30) and circulating tumor cells (n = 24) from CRC patients. Finally, we validated the results by comparing them with the data obtained from DNA sequencing of colon tumors (n = 21) of the same CRC patients. This method showed excellent sensitivity (1 DNA copy/μl), reproducibility [relative standard deviation (%RSD) < 5%, for n = 3], and linear dynamic range (1 ag/μl-10 pg/μl, R2 = 0.94). This platform is significantly faster, relatively cheaper, has superior sensitivity and specificity, and does not require any high-end equipment. To conclude, this method has the potential to be translated into clinical settings for the detection of mutations in diverse diseases and conditions.

Advances in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer: the application of molecular biomarkers and imaging techniques: a literature review

Background

Following neoplasms of the lung and breast, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent malignancy globally. Screening for CRC at the age of 50 years is strongly encouraged for prompt earlier diagnosis owing to prognoses being greatly correlated with time of detection and cancer staging.

Aim

This review aimed to elucidate the most recent advancements in the detection of CRC, with an emphasis on the latest innovations in diagnostic molecular biomarkers in conjunction with radiological imaging alongside stool-based tests for CRC screening.

Methods

A comprehensive review of the literature was performed, focusing on specific terms in different electronic databases, including that of PubMed/MEDLINE. Keywords pertaining to "colorectal cancer," "diagnosis," "screening," "imaging," and "biomarkers," among others, were employed in the search strategy. Articles screened and evaluated were deemed relevant to the study aim and were presented in the medium of the English language.

Results

There have been several innovations in the diagnostics and identification of CRC. These generally comprise molecular biomarkers, currently being studied for suitability in disease detection. Examples of these include genetic, epigenetic, and protein biomarkers. Concurrently, recent developments in CRC diagnostics highlight the advancements made in radiological imaging that offer precise insights on tumor biology in addition to morphological information. Combining these with statistical methodologies will increase the sensitivity and specificity of CRC diagnostics. However, putting these strategies into reality is hampered by several issues.

Conclusion

Progress in diagnostic technology alongside the identification of a few prognostic predictive molecular biomarkers suggested great promise for prompt detection and management of CRC. This clearly necessitates further efforts to learn more in this specific sector.

Self-signal electrochemical identification of circulating tumor DNA employing poly-xanthurenic acid assembled on black phosphorus nanosheets

A self-signal electrochemical identification interface was prepared for the determination of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in peripheral blood based on poly-xanthurenic acid (PXTA) assembled on black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs) acquired through simple ultrasonication method. The BPNSs with large surface area could be integrated with the xanthurenic acid (XTA) monomers by right of physisorption, and hence improved the electropolymerization efficiency and was beneficial to the enlargement of the signal response of PXTA. The assembled PXTA/BPNSs composite with attractive electrochemical activity was adopted as a platform for the recognition of DNA immobilization and hybridization. The probe ssDNA was covalently fixed onto the PXTA/BPNSs composite with plentiful carboxyl groups through the terminate free amines of DNA probes by use of the 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide and N-hydrosulfosuccinimide cross-linking reaction, accompanied with the decline of the self-signal response. When the hybridization between the probe ssDNA and the target DNA was accomplished, the self-signal response of the composite interface reproduced by virtue of the shaping of helix construction. The determination limit of the assembled DNA identification interface was 2.1 × 10-19 mol/L, and the complementary target DNA concentrations varied from 1.0 × 10-18 mol/L to 1.0 × 10-12 mol/L. The DNA identification platform displayed magnificent sensitivity, specificity and stability, and was efficaciously implemented to the mensuration of ctDNA derived from colorectal cancer.

Deficiencies in germline genetic testing in young-onset colorectal cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Young-onset colorectal cancer (YO-CRC) patients have high rates of pathologic genetic variants on germline testing, however it is unclear what factors are associated with genetic testing completion.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of YO-CRC patients aged ≤50 years between 2014 and 2021 who received the entirety of their cancer care at a single institution. The primary outcome was completion of germline multigene panel testing. Variables were examined for association with germline multigene panel testing.

RESULTS

Among 100 YO-CRC patients, only 31 ​% (n ​= ​31) completed genetic testing. Testing rates did not differ by colorectal cancer stage but were significantly higher among patients who received chemotherapy (39.8 ​% vs 5.9 ​%; p ​= ​0.01) and in patients with increasing number of relatives with a family history of cancer (p ​< ​0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Only one-third of YO-CRC patients completed genetic testing. Patients seen by oncology or with increasingly strong family cancer history were more likely to complete genetic testing.

Tissue Elasticity as a Diagnostic Marker of Molecular Mutations in Morphologically Heterogeneous Colorectal Cancer

The presence of molecular mutations in colorectal cancer (CRC) is a decisive factor in selecting the most effective first-line therapy. However, molecular analysis is routinely performed only in a limited number of patients with remote metastases. We propose to use tissue stiffness as a marker of the presence of molecular mutations in CRC samples. For this purpose, we applied compression optical coherence elastography (C-OCE) to calculate stiffness values in regions corresponding to specific CRC morphological patterns (n = 54). In parallel to estimating stiffness, molecular analysis from the same zones was performed to establish their relationships. As a result, a high correlation between the presence of KRAS/NRAS/BRAF driver mutations and high stiffness values was revealed regardless of CRC morphological pattern type. Further, we proposed threshold stiffness values for label-free targeted detection of molecular alterations in CRC tissues: for KRAS, NRAS, or BRAF driver mutation-above 803 kPa (sensitivity-91%; specificity-80%; diagnostic accuracy-85%), and only for KRAS driver mutation-above 850 kPa (sensitivity-90%; specificity-88%; diagnostic accuracy-89%). To conclude, C-OCE estimation of tissue stiffness can be used as a clinical diagnostic tool for preliminary screening of genetic burden in CRC tissues.

p-d Orbital Hybridization-Engineered PdSn Nanozymes for a Sensitive Immunoassay

Nanozymes with peroxidase-like activity have been extensively studied for colorimetric biosensing. However, their catalytic activity and specificity still lag far behind those of natural enzymes, which significantly affects the accuracy and sensitivity of colorimetric biosensing. To address this issue, we design PdSn nanozymes with selectively enhanced peroxidase-like activity, which improves the sensitivity and accuracy of a colorimetric immunoassay. The peroxidase-like activity of PdSn nanozymes is significantly higher than that of Pd nanozymes. Theoretical calculations reveal that the p-d orbital hybridization of Pd and Sn not only results in an upward shift of the d-band center to enhance hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) adsorption but also regulates the O-O bonding strength of H2O2 to achieve selective H2O2 activation. Ultimately, the nanozyme-linked immunosorbent assay has been successfully developed to sensitively and accurately detect the prostate-specific antigen (PSA), achieving a low detection limit of 1.696 pg mL-1. This work demonstrates a promising approach for detecting PSA in a clinical diagnosis.