Interplay between Environmental Drivers and Genetic or Epigenetic Predispositions on Gastrointestinal Cancer Evolution

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers represent a complex interplay of genetic mutations, epigenetic alterations, and environmental factors. The initiation and progression of these cancers are influenced by somatic mutations and malignant clonal selection, with the extracellular environment playing a significant role in transforming normal cells into malignant ones. This Research Topic focuses on the interactions between oncogenic mutations, clonal expansion, and external factors such as microbial exposures and chronic inflammation, acknowledging the significant strides made in understanding these mechanisms and the roles they play in carcinogenesis.

This Research Topic aims to delineate the complex interactions between genetic predispositions, epigenetic modifications, and extracellular environmental factors in GI cancer evolution. By investigating these interactions, the topic seeks to identify novel mechanisms of cancer initiation and progression, and to develop personalized prevention and treatment strategies that integrate genetic, epigenetic, and environmental insights.

To gather further insights into this complex interplay, we welcome Original Research, Review, Case Report, Methods, Hypothesis and Theory, Perspective, Brief Research Report, General Commentary, and Opinion articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
o Impact of genetic and epigenetic alterations on tumor behavior and therapy response.
o Interactions between extracellular environmental factors, genetic or epigenetic predispositions in GI cancers evolution
o Efficacy of environmental interventions and genetic targeting strategies in GI cancer therapy.
o Advances and molecular mechanisms of targeted therapies addressing interactions between environmental factors and genetic/epigenetic factors.
o The role of environmental drivers in altering the genetic/epigenetic landscapes in GI cancers.

Please note: Manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics, computational analysis, or predictions of public databases which are not accompanied by validation (independent clinical or patient cohort, or biological validation in vitro or in vivo, which are not based on public databases) are not suitable for publication in this journal.

Keywords: gastrointestinal cancer, genetic mutations, epigenetic alterations, microorganisms

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.