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International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Article . 2026 . Peer-reviewed
License: CC BY
Data sources: Crossref
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PubMed Central
Conference object . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: PubMed Central
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Advances in Colorectal Cancer Cell Biology and Clonal Evolution

Authors: Sopozme Toghey; Elizabeth J. Harvey-Jones; Jonathan D. Towler; Charlotte J. H. Hafkamp; Irene Y. Chong;

Advances in Colorectal Cancer Cell Biology and Clonal Evolution

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) develops through evolutionary processes involving genomic alterations, epigenetic regulation, and microenvironmental interactions. While traditionally explained by the stepwise accumulation of driver mutations, contemporary evidence supports a ‘Big Bang’ model in which many early-arising clones expand simultaneously to establish extensive heterogeneity. We reviewed recent studies employing spatially resolved multi-omic sequencing of tumour glands combined with computational modelling. These approaches enable high-resolution reconstruction of clonal architecture, transcriptional states, and chromatin accessibility. Findings show that although early clonal mutations shape tumour expansion, gene expression variability can be independent of genetic ancestry and instead reflects phenotypic plasticity driven by microenvironmental cues. Epigenomic analyses identified recurrent somatic chromatin accessibility alterations in promotors and enhancers of oncogenic pathways, frequently in the absence of DNA mutations, suggesting alternative mechanisms of gene regulation. Immune-focused studies demonstrated that early silencing of antigen-presenting genes and loss of neoantigens facilitate immune escape despite active surveillance. CRC is shaped by an interplay of genome, epigenome, and immune evolution, with non-genetic mechanisms and tumour plasticity emerging as important drivers of progression and therapeutic resistance.

Keywords

Clonal Evolution, Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic, Mutation, Tumor Microenvironment, Humans, Animals, Review, Colorectal Neoplasms, Epigenesis, Genetic

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green
gold
Related to Research communities
Cancer Research