Apc, wnt signaling pathway regulator

APC, Wnt Signaling Pathway Regulator

The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the APC gene. It is a crucial component in the Wnt signaling pathway, and mutations in this gene are strongly associated with the development of colorectal cancer.

Error creating thumbnail:

Signal Transduction Model for Embryonic Differentiation Waves

Function

The APC protein acts as an antagonist of the Wnt signaling pathway. It regulates intracellular levels of beta-catenin, a key signal transducer in the Wnt pathway, by targeting it for degradation. In the absence of Wnt signals, APC forms a complex with GSK-3beta and Axin, which facilitates the phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of beta-catenin.

Role in Cancer

Mutations in the APC gene disrupt the protein's ability to regulate beta-catenin degradation, leading to an accumulation of beta-catenin in the cell. This can trigger the uncontrolled cell growth characteristic of cancer, particularly in the colon and rectum.

Clinical Significance

APC mutations are most commonly associated with Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a condition characterized by the development of hundreds to thousands of polyps in the colon and rectum. If left untreated, FAP almost inevitably leads to colorectal cancer.

Research Directions

Current research is focused on understanding the precise mechanisms by which APC mutations lead to cancer, with the aim of developing targeted therapies. Additionally, studies are investigating the role of APC in other Wnt-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.

See Also

• Wnt signaling pathway
• Colorectal cancer
• Familial adenomatous polyposis
• Beta-catenin
• GSK-3beta
• Axin