The Molecular Biology of Midgut Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

Endocr Rev. 2024 May 7;45(3):343-350. doi: 10.1210/endrev/bnad034.

Abstract

Midgut neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are one of the most common subtypes of NEN, and their incidence is rising globally. Despite being the most frequently diagnosed malignancy of the small intestine, little is known about their underlying molecular biology. Their unusually low mutational burden compared to other solid tumors and the unexplained occurrence of multifocal tumors makes the molecular biology of midgut NENs a particularly fascinating field of research. This review provides an overview of recent advances in the understanding of the interplay of the genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptomic landscape in the development of midgut NENs, a topic that is critical to understanding their biology and improving treatment options and outcomes for patients.

Keywords: DNA methylation; epigenetics; genetics; molecular biology; neuroendocrine neoplasms; neuroendocrine tumors.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Intestinal Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Intestinal Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors* / genetics
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors* / metabolism

Grants and funding