VSTM2A suppresses colorectal cancer and antagonizes Wnt signaling receptor LRP6.

Hyperactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is a critical step in colorectal tumorigenesis. In this study, we identified that V-set and transmembrane domain containing 2A (VSTM2A) was a top-downregulated secreted protein that negatively regulated Wnt singling pathways in colorectal cancer (CRC). We investigated the functional mechanisms and clinical implication of VSTM2A in CRC.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection vs laparoscopic colorectal resection for early colorectal epithelial neoplasia.

Aim: To compare the short term outcome of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) with that of laparoscopic colorectal resection (LC) for the treatment of early colorectal epithelial neoplasms that are not amenable to conventional endoscopic removal.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. The clinical data of all consecutive patients who underwent ESD for endoscopically assessed benign lesions that were larger than 2 cm in diameter from 2009 to 2013 were collected.

MicroRNA dysregulation as a prognostic biomarker in colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most potentially curable cancers, yet it remains the fourth most common overall cause of cancer death worldwide. The identification of robust molecular prognostic biomarkers can refine the conventional tumor-node-metastasis staging system, avoid understaging of tumor, and help pinpoint patients with early-stage CRC who may benefit from aggressive treatments. Recently, epigenetic studies have provided new molecular evidence to better categorize the CRC subtypes and predict clinical outcomes.

microRNA-139-5p exerts tumor suppressor function by targeting NOTCH1 in colorectal cancer.

Background: miR-139-5p was identified to be significantly down-regulated in colon tumor tissues by miRNA array. We aimed to clarify its biological function, molecular mechanisms and direct target gene in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods: The biological function of miR-139-5p was examined by cell growth, cell cycle and apoptosis analysis in vitro and in vivo.

Repeat-screening colonoscopy 5 years after normal baseline-screening colonoscopy in average-risk Chinese: a prospective study.

Objectives: Although colonoscopy is considered the most accurate screening tool for colorectal neoplasm, the optimal interval of repeating a screening colonoscopy, particularly in average-risk subjects after a negative colonoscopy, is poorly defined. We determine the 5-year risk of advanced neoplasia on rescreening colonoscopy in a cohort of average-risk Chinese subjects.

Methods: We invited a cohort of asymptomatic average-risk Chinese subjects (aged 55-75 years) who were recruited in our previous screening colonoscopy studies to undergo a repeat colonoscopy at the end of 5 years.