Adenomatous polyposis coli

Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) is a gene that in humans is associated with Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), an inherited condition that leads to early-onset colorectal cancer. The APC gene provides instructions for making a protein that plays a critical role in several cellular processes. The protein helps control how often a cell divides, how it attaches to other cells within a tissue, and whether it moves within or away from a tissue.

Function

The APC protein acts as a tumor suppressor, which means it keeps cells from growing and dividing too rapidly or in an uncontrolled way. It helps control how often a cell divides, how it attaches to other cells within a tissue, and whether it moves within or away from a tissue.

Role in disease

Mutations in the APC gene disrupt the function of the APC protein, allowing cells to grow and divide uncontrollably. This unregulated cell division leads to the formation of polyps in the colon and rectum, which can become cancerous over time.

Familial adenomatous polyposis

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a condition characterized by the development of hundreds to thousands of polyps in the colon and rectum from a young age. People with FAP have a significantly increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. The condition is caused by mutations in the APC gene.

Treatment

Treatment for FAP often involves surgery to remove the colon and rectum. Medications may also be used to manage the condition, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors.

See also

• Colorectal cancer
• Tumor suppressor gene
• Mutation
• Polyp