DNA Methylation Detection Technology and Plasma-Based Methylation Biomarkers in Screening of Gastrointestinal Carcinoma

Abstract

DNA methylation is of paramount importance for the evolution of human cancers. Its high sensitivity and specificity make it a potential biomarker for early cancer screening in the context of an increasing global burden of gastrointestinal (GI) carcinoma. More DNA methylation biomarkers are emerging with the development of liquid biopsy and sensitive DNA methylation detection technology. This review provides an overview of DNA methylation, focusing on the presentation and comparison of 5-methylcytosine detection technologies, and introduces the promising plasma-based cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation biomarkers published in recent years for early screening of GI carcinoma. Finally, we summarize and discuss the future of plasma cfDNA methylation markers detection as a clinical tool for early screening of GI carcinoma.

Lay abstract

In the context of an increasing global burden of gastrointestinal (GI) carcinoma, early cancer screening is of paramount importance, so there is an urgent need for efficient and reliable potential biomarkers. More biomarkers are emerging with the development of noninvasive test and related detection technologies. This review provides an overview of certain potential biomarkers named DNA methylation, focusing on the presentation and comparison of related detection technologies for this type of biomarkers and introduces the promising plasma-based biomarkers published in recent years for early screening of GI carcinoma. Finally, we summarize and discuss the future of plasma-based biomarkers detection as a clinical tool for early screening of GI carcinoma.

Keywords: :

• biomarker
• cell-free DNA
• detection technology
• DNA methylation
• early cancer screening
• gastrointestinal carcinoma

Author contributions

All authors made substantial contributions to the conception and design of the work, the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data for the work, the drafting the work and revising it critically for important intellectual content and the final approval of the version to be published, and all agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Writing assistance was provided by Enago and was funded by Project from Department of Science and Technology of Zhejiang Province (2013C14011).