Data indicate that gene silencing of the AKAP12 promoter through CpG island hypermethylation is responsible for the downregulation of AKAP12 in esophageal neoplastic progression [48], colon cancer [70], and gastric carcinoma [20], suggesting that hypermethylation of the AKAP12 promoter may represent a potential indication for the early detection of a distinct subset of diseases. The gene discussed is AKAP12; the disease is colonic neoplasm.