| Identification of Novel Biomarkers for Gastric Adenocarcinoma using Whole Human Genome Microarrays
Adenocarcinoma of Gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) and stomach is multifactorial in nature. esophageal and gastric cancer share some putative risk factors, including diet, low socioeconomic status, age, alcohol and tobacco use, nitrites and nitrates. Gastric adenocarcinoma is the second most common cause of cancer- related mortality worldwide. Infection with Helicobacter pylori is the single most common cause of adenocarcinoma of the distal stomach. Cancer of the stomach is the consistently leading site of cancer among males in Banglore (AAR 9.5/100,000) after Chennai (13.6/100,000) in south India. Based on age-adjusted incidence rates of gastric cancer (1990-1996) is ranked 1st in males and 6 th in females. Gastric adenocarcinoma is more prevalent in Southern India compared to Northern India.
Figure: showing esophageal, gastro-esophageal and gastric region
A high throughput human genome microarray chip analysis will be used. Globally, this will be the first kind of study using a whole human genome array. Microarray data, after analysis will give us information on statistically significantly altered genes. The increase in gene expression and biological importance will decide which novel up-regulated genes will be chosen from the analysis. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against the novel biomarkers will be developed, which will help in immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of statistically significant number of patients with GEJ and gastric adenocarcinoma. Morphological observation and phenotypic characterization of diseased tissue is still the basis of diagnostic pathology but the data generated in this study could detect genetic changes that would help subdivide these two types of adenocarcinoma into subgroups with distinct molecular profiles that would correlate with clinical behavior. This analysis will radically impinge on diagnosis and prognosis assessment. Data associated with different steps in tumor progression will increase our knowledge of carcinogenesis and tumor development. Novel gene expression patterns can guide the oncologist in advance whether a patient will respond to certain chemotherapeutic, radiation or hormonal agents. Also, this will open up new possibilities for cancer screening programs and development of novel chemopreventive agents. Success of this project can lead to development of an individual or group of molecules which can proved to be biomarkers of choice for early detection/ or post-operative management of patients.
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