Based on recent scientific literature from late 2025/early 2026, the number refers specifically to the total count of Differentially Methylated Regions (DMRs) identified in a comprehensive study of colorectal adenoma subtypes.
The researchers used these 122,348 regions to create unique methylation "signatures" for different types of adenomas—specifically Sessile Serrated Lesions (SSL), Traditional Serrated Adenoma (TSA), and VA/TVA (Villous/Tubulovillous Adenoma). 122348
Identifying such a large number of specific DMRs offers potential for developing highly accurate molecular diagnostics to classify polyp risk, potentially distinguishing between aggressive polyps and benign ones. 3. Comparison and Methodology Based on recent scientific literature from late 2025/early
Here is a deep guide into this finding and its clinical significance. 1. Context: What Are the 122,348 DMRs? Context: What Are the 122,348 DMRs
These DMRs suggest that DNA methylation changes are a crucial, early event in colorectal tumorigenesis, acting before severe morphological changes occur in the cells.
The analysis involved a rigorous methodology to ensure the reliability of these findings: