Researchers show simple gene reactivation can lead to turning of cancer cells into normal tissue

 

Most of the anti-cancer therapies target on mitigation of tumor cells. Researchers have found that normal restoration of human colorectal cancer gene leads to cessation of tumor growth and re-establishment of normal tissues and intestinal function in mice.

 

Colorectal cancer is one of the biggest cause of cancer related death in countries worldwide. Various chemotherapies are involved for mitigation of colorectal cancer, which can be toxic and may lead to relapse of the cancer. Most of the colorectal tumors show inactivating mutations in a gene named adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc). Mutations are the common cause for causing cancers. However, effect of the gene inactivation is not known.

 

The researchers tried to explore whether disruption of the Apc gene leads to cessation of tumor growth or its regression. The researchers used a genetic method to reversibly disrupt the Apc activity in novel colorectal cancer mouse model. This novel mouse model also developed tumors in colon, which was similar to what is observed in the patients. On inactivation of Apc gene, the Wnt signaling switched back to normal levels and resulted in cessation of tumor proliferation. Tumors showed regression and disappeared while normal tissue was seen within 2 weeks. A 6-month follow up showed no sign of relapse.

 

The method is currently impractical to work on patients but the findings help in designing small molecules, which can modulate Wnt signaling leading to regression of tumor in colorectal cancer patients.