Deleted in Colorectal Cancer

Deleted in Colorectal Cancer (DCC) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the DCC gene. The DCC gene is located on chromosome 18 (18q21.3), which plays a critical role in the regulation of cell growth and apoptosis, particularly in the context of colorectal cancer (CRC). The protein encoded by this gene functions as a receptor for netrin-1, a protein involved in the regulation of axon guidance and cell migration. Alterations or loss of DCC expression are implicated in the progression of colorectal cancer and other tumor types, making it a significant focus of cancer research.

Function

The DCC protein is primarily known for its role in neural development, particularly in axon guidance. It acts as a receptor for netrin-1, guiding axons to their targets and helping to establish the wiring of the nervous system. Beyond neural development, DCC is involved in maintaining cell adhesion and can induce apoptosis in the absence of its ligand, netrin-1, which is a critical mechanism for eliminating unwanted or damaged cells.

Role in Cancer

In the context of colorectal cancer, the DCC gene is often found to be deleted or its expression significantly reduced. This loss of DCC function is associated with increased tumor cell proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and enhanced potential for metastasis. The exact mechanism by which DCC suppresses tumor growth is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve the regulation of cell adhesion and communication with the extracellular matrix, which are crucial for maintaining normal tissue architecture and function.

Clinical Significance

The status of DCC expression in colorectal cancer can serve as a prognostic marker, with reduced or absent expression correlating with a more aggressive disease course and poorer prognosis. Furthermore, understanding the molecular pathways involving DCC can provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for treating colorectal cancer and possibly other cancers with similar mechanisms of progression.

Research Directions

Current research on DCC is focused on elucidating its role in cancer biology, including how its interaction with netrin-1 influences tumor progression and metastasis. There is also interest in developing therapies that can restore DCC function or mimic its activity, potentially offering new strategies for cancer treatment.

See Also

• Colorectal cancer
• Gene
• Protein
• Apoptosis
• Cell adhesion