Larry LaPoint, pictured right, with research colleague Rob Dunn, from CSIRO Mathematical and Information Sciences

"By looking at gene expression in adenomas rather than cancers, we’re hoping to actually lower the incidence of colon cancer," explains Larry LaPointe, a PhD student working on the project. "We want to be able to prevent the disease from developing, not just reduce morbidity or mortality when it occurs."

The researchers are using a large set of gene expression microarray data purchased from GeneLogic Inc. The data is derived from biopsies and tissues derived from colon adenomas and cancers as well as normal colon tissue.

"These kinds of studies are usually done in the absence of a clear understanding of what gene expression in normal tissue looks like," says Mr LaPointe. "We recognise that understanding variation in gene expression in different parts of the healthy colon is crucial to understanding gene expression in adenomas and cancers."

The researchers have identified two sets of expressed genes, or biomarkers, from the data. One is predictive of the position of healthy tissue along the length of the colon and the other is diagnostic of adenomas.

"We've built a molecular map of how gene expression changes along the colon in healthy people and we’re using it as a foundation for our study of gene expression in diseased tissue. Such a thing hasn’t really been done before," says Mr LaPointe.

The data analysis uses proprietary statistical techniques developed by CSIRO Mathematical and Information Sciences. These techniques enable the researchers to extract the most valuable information from the data and untangle the hugely complicated gene expression information in colon cancer.

The researchers have filed a patent related to their map of gene markers that are predictive of the location of tissue samples along the colon. This will protect the biomarkers while they are investigated by collaborators in the Preventative Health Flagship and by the commercial partner Clinical Genomics Pty Ltd.

The investigation will concentrate on the discovery of adenoma-specific biomarkers that can be detected in patient samples without using invasive procedures.

The Preventative Health Flagship is a partnership between CSIRO and key researchers aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of Australians through the prevention and early detection of chronic diseases.

Andrea Mettenmeyer

UPDATE home

Message from the Director

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New theme leaders appointed to Preventative Health Flagship

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Discovering biomarkers to prevent colon cancer

Scientists and clinicians share gastroenterology knowledge 

Preventative Health Presentations July 2006 to October 2006

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