Colorectal Cancer Precancerous Lesion

This study aims to explore epigenetic factors associated with colorectal adenoma (CRA) in the Korean population. CRA is a key precancerous lesion in the adenoma-carcinoma sequence, and identifying methylated genetic markers may improve early detection and risk stratification for colorectal cancer (CRC). A total of 32 patients undergoing colonoscopic polypectomy will be enrolled. Adenomatous and adjacent normal tissues will be collected for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction and bisulfite conversion. Quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (qMSP) and Sanger sequencing will be used to assess the methylation status of candidate genes (SFRP2, TFPI2, SEPT9, and SDC2). Stool samples will also be analyzed by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to evaluate microbiome and genetic profiles. The study seeks to determine whether methylation levels of these genes are significantly elevated in adenoma tissue compared with normal mucosa, thereby identifying potential biomarkers for colorectal neoplasia surveillance and personalized colonoscopy follow-up intervals.