Journal of Stem Cell Research & Therapy

Identification and pattern analysis of SNPs involved in colorectal cancer

3^rd International Conference and Exhibition on Cell & Gene Therapy

October 27-29, 2014 Embassy Suites Las Vegas, USA

Jyoti Bhojwani and Praneti Patidar

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Stem Cell Res Ther

Abstract:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths globally posing a lifetime risk of 80-100% in every individual. Genetics and relevant mechanisms underlying some key signaling pathways like Wnt, TGF, p53, K-ras etc. play a detrimental role in governing the predisposition for CRC. A high percentage of colorectal tumors (adenomas and carcinomas) show activating mutations in beta-catenin or axin, whereas, loss of certain tumor suppressor genes (TSGs), like APC cause the initiation of random polyps in the colon. All of these molecules co-incidentally are critical components of an evolutionarily conserved Wnt signaling pathway, which is instrumental at various time points in the development of this disease. Differences in SNP profiles amongst sample groups in the genomic landscape can be recognized through a smart and efficient use of machine learning techniques. The statistics and pattern analyses of these SNP profiles, interestingly provides us with a concrete and logical platform upon which, relative contribution/s of each unique SNP, ranging ?from cause to effect? can be significantly assessed. The biological relevance of such SNP variations with respect to cancer prediction and predisposition, however, remains unexplored, pending a better understanding of the impact of control design in SNP studies. Our results emerging from critical analyses of significant SNP?s, demonstrates the utility of relevant bioinformatics tools in discriminating diseased populations based on realistic SNP data. In this study, we have primarily targeted members of Wnt signaling pathway, which play important developmental role/s during different stages of colorectal cancer, depicting a classical ?multigenemultistep nature? of cancer. We have identified and related common genetic variants for the ?early-acting? and ?late-acting? members of this pathway, that are most prevalent in patients with CRC disease. Complex relationships and correlations hidden in large data sets have been dug and analyzed here, by deploying various data-mining (bioinformatics) tools. Results will be presented in the light of discussing the scope of such a combinatorial approach, in identifying some potential candidates, in translational research and clinical research interventions.

Biography :

Jyoti Bhojwani is presently a Faculty of Genetics/Bioinformatics/ Principal Investigator of the MTech Research Programs (Bio-Informatics) at University of Indore, India. She obtained her BSc (Bachelors degree) in Biological Sciences/Chemistry/Physics, MSc (Master?s degree) in Life-Sciences, and Doctoral degree (PhD) at School of Life-Sciences, University of Indore. She pursued her Post-doctoral ventures at Max-Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry (FRG), University of California-Irvine and University of Pittsburgh (USA). Currently, her projects mainly focus on translational-research and extrapolation of basic developmental mechanisms from model-systems like fruitfly (Drosophila) to human. She is keen on studying in details the genetic factors, which presumably aid in understanding of mechanism by which ?cancer stem cells? function in transforming a tissue from normal to cancerous states. Her research has a motive to further facilitate the perception of stem cell potential/mechanistic in areas of regenerative medicine, translational research and anti-cancer therapy.