CDK12

This study investigated DNA methylation profiles in 259 sporadic colorectal cancers, aiming to identify microsatellite instability (MSI)-associated signatures beyond the CIMP phenotype and MLH1 promoter hypermethylation. Researchers discovered 656 differentially methylated CpG sites linked to MSI, including hypermethylation of LRP6, GSK3B, and CDK12, genes involved in WNT signaling and transcriptional regulation. The study also revealed heterogeneity within MSI CRCs, with co-occurrence of MLH1 and TXNRD1 promoter hypermethylation. Furthermore, anatomical location was found to be a major determinant of the CRC methylome, contributing to improved molecular stratification of the disease.

This study developed and evaluated an optimized intramuscular patient-derived xenograft (PDX) platform for gastric cancer. The model achieved a high engraftment rate of 71.7%, significantly exceeding conventional methods. Researchers utilized whole exome sequencing to identify divergent driver mutations between fast- and slow-growing tumors. The findings suggest that PDX-guided chemotherapy selection is associated with improved progression-free survival, and that driver mutation profiles can serve as prognostic biomarkers.