Abstract: Gene expression patterns were analyzed that identified multiple genes associated with radiation enhanced colon carcinogenesis. Some of the genes modulated by radiation exposure may be involved in up-regulating the Wnt/?-catenin signaling pathway and promote colon carcinogenesis. Consumption of a fish oil/pectin diet caused a general down-regulation of genes encoding proteins involved in cell adhesion and receptor activity, which may be involved in down-regulating the Wnt/?-catenin signaling pathway. The data suggest that dietary fish oil/pectin may be an effective countermeasure against radiation-induced colon carcinogenesis. In accordance with this, gene expression profiles can be monitored to reduce the risk of radiation induced carcinogenesis in high risk personnel (i.e., for example, astronauts) before, during, and/or after radiation exposure (i.e., for example, spaceflight), and/or to detect radiation-induced carcinogenesis so that an appropriate countermeasure administration can be implemented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the detection of biomarkers associated with colorectal diseases and disorders. In preferred embodiments, said colorectal disease is colorectal cancer. In some embodiments, the invention relates to the detection of said biomarkers using non-invasive methods. In further embodiments, the invention relates to the isolation and evaluation of biomarkers residing in feces from a subject at risk for or exhibiting symptoms associated with a colorectal disease or disorder. In still further embodiments, said biomarkers include exfoliated colonocytes. In additional embodiments, mRNA transcripts isolated from said colonocytes and associated with said colorectal diseases and disorders are quantified.

Abstract: A noninvasive method utilizing feces, containing sloughed colonocytes, as a sensitive technique for detecting diagnostic colonic biomarkers as well as a method for isolating poly A+ RNA from feces. The method allows the isolation and quantitation of specific eukarotic mRNAs as candidate biomarkers for colon cancer isolated from feces.

Abstract: A noninvasive method utilizing feces, containing sloughed colonocytes, as a sensitive technique for detecting diagnostic colonic biomarkers as well as a method for isolating poly A +RNA from feces. The method allows the isolation and quantitation of specific eukarotic mRNAs as candidate biomarkers for colon cancer isolated from feces.