Recent advances in the field of cellular and molecular biology have resulted in a dramatic increase in our understanding of the various mechanisms involved in the development of colorectal cancer. These advances as well as increasing our understanding of the biology of normal and tumour cells will inevitably lead to the development of novel preventative and therapeutic treatments for colorectal cancer, which is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the industrialized world. Colorectal cancer develops as a result of a series of molecular events impacting a variety of pathways which derive from the adenoma-carcinoma sequence. Great interest has focused on signalling events in the wnt, E-cadherin/b-catenin, COX2/b-catenin and glycobiology pathways. In addition, mutation of the APC gene, the role of E-cadherin and conductin in cell adhesion and the links between COX-2 in apoptosis and chemoprevention are currently attracting attention. Chromosomal aberrations in colorectal cancer relate to chromosomal instability, BER DNA glycosylase MYH and epigenetic events and have been examined through knock-out models of mismatch repair and digital karyotyping. The programme is designed to bring together experts in these areas to present the latest advances.
The meeting will provide an excellent forum for established workers and young scientists in the field and will include ample opportunity for poster presentation and informal discussion. Talks by young scientists will be integrated into the programme with the major speakers.
Proceedings will be published in Biochemical Society Transactions
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