shot-button
Maharashtra Elections 2024 Maharashtra Elections 2024
Home > Lifestyle News > Health And Fitness News > Article > New study identifies gene that accelerates colon cancer

New study identifies gene that accelerates colon cancer

Updated on: 18 October,2022 04:47 PM IST  |  New Delhi
IANS |

The researchers have discovered that the environment around a colon cancer tumour can programme what is known as a "super enhancer," regulates the gene PDZK1IP1, which was previously not identified as a cancer gene

New study identifies gene that accelerates colon cancer

Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: istock

The ongoing research around cancer has produced a new result after a team of researchers identified a new gene that is essential to the growth of colon cancer and found that inflammation in the external environment around the tumour can contribute to the growth of tumour cells. 


The researchers, from Mount Sinai's Tisch Cancer Institute, said that they have discovered that the environment around a colon cancer tumour can programme what is known as a "super enhancer," a complex area of DNA with a high concentration of transcriptional machinery that controls whether a cell is malignant.


This super enhancer - the largest 1-2 per cent of all enhancers in the cell - regulates the gene PDZK1IP1, which was previously not identified as a cancer gene.


Once researchers deleted PDZK1IP1, colon cancer growth slowed down, suggesting that PDZK1IP1 and its super enhancer could be targets for anti-cancer therapies.

"In the US, colon cancer is the third most prevalent and second most deadly cancer," said first author Royce Zhou from the institute.

"This cancer is reliant on surgery for treatment, and immunotherapies that have revolutionised the treatment of advanced cancer have only worked for a small subset of colon cancer patients. That's why there's a great need for novel target identification," Zhou added.

This study, published in the journal Nature Communication, found that the super enhancer is activated by surrounding inflammation in the tumour microenvironment.

The inflammation allows the cancer cells to survive in an environment they otherwise would not. Inflammatory bowel disease is a known risk for colon cancer; this finding could add to the understanding of the mechanism involved.

Also Read: Do you know if your child is being bullied? Experts share tips to identify

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK