Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Translational Research in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide and remains a major contributor to global cancer morbidity and mortality. Over the past decade, major advances in genomics, epigenetics, and microbiome science have revolutionized our understanding of CRC pathogenesis. Emerging evidence reveals that the interplay between genetic mutations, epigenetic remodeling, and gut microbiota dynamics significantly influences tumor initiation and progression. Large-scale studies have also demonstrated that molecular subclassification of CRC can inform prognosis and therapeutic responsiveness, yet gaps persist in linking these molecular insights to effective clinical interventions. While data-driven epidemiology and integrative omics approaches are increasingly applied to CRC research, translating this wealth of knowledge into actionable clinical strategies remains an unmet need. Addressing these gaps requires a concerted effort to bridge molecular biology, bioinformatics, and clinical oncology. This Research Topic aims to advance the understanding of the molecular determinants underpinning colorectal cancer while promoting their clinical translation. It seeks to elucidate the genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors driving disease initiation and metastasis, while exploring novel biomarkers for early detection and precision therapy. Another core objective is to foster interdisciplinary research linking microbiota-host interactions and metabolic regulation to tumor evolution, and to integrate epidemiological big data with molecular mechanisms to produce clinically relevant insights. In doing so, the Topic aspires to stimulate innovative approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, encouraging hypotheses that may lead to precision oncology strategies tailored to patient heterogeneity.To gather further insights in the mechanistic and translational dimensions of colorectal cancer, we welcome research addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Epigenetic and transcriptional regulation in the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer• Gut microbiota and host-microbiome interactions influencing carcinogenesis• Functional impacts of intestinal metabolites, trace elements, and metal ions on tumor biology• Clinical molecular biology approaches to novel biomarker discovery, molecular diagnostics, and targeted therapy development• Integration of big data and epidemiological modeling to define CRC risk factors, disease trends, and population outcomesWe welcome submissions in the form of original research, reviews, methods papers, and data resources that contribute to a multidimensional understanding of colorectal cancer and its clinical translation. Topic editors: Shuwen Han, Hua Wang, Xiang Yu, Xun Zhang Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81422/molecular-mechanisms-and-clinical-translational-research-in-colorectal-cancer