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Isolation and characterization of a novel human gene, DRCTNNB1A, the expression of which is down-regulated by

T Kawasoe1, Y Furukawa, Y Daigo

  • 1Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Human Genome Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Japan.

Cancer Research
|July 26, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Researchers identified a new gene, DRCTNNB1A, involved in the beta-catenin signaling pathway. Reduced expression of DRCTNNB1A was observed in colorectal cancers, suggesting its role in carcinogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Beta-catenin is crucial for cell adhesion and Wnt signaling.
  • Accumulated beta-catenin, due to mutations, is linked to various cancers.
  • The exact role of beta-catenin in carcinogenesis is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify novel genes regulated by beta-catenin.
  • To investigate the role of the identified gene, DRCTNNB1A, in cancer, particularly colorectal cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and characterization of murine and human DRCTNNB1A.
  • In situ hybridization to determine genomic location.
  • Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer to modulate beta-catenin levels in colon cancer cells.
  • Quantitative analysis of DRCTNNB1A expression in primary colorectal cancers.

Main Results:

  • A novel gene, DRCTNNB1A, was identified and found to be down-regulated by activated beta-catenin.
  • Human DRCTNNB1A shares 91% identity with its murine counterpart and is expressed in all examined tissues.
  • DRCTNNB1A expression increased upon reduction of intracellular beta-catenin in colon cancer cells.
  • Reduced DRCTNNB1A expression was found in a majority of primary colorectal cancers.

Conclusions:

  • DRCTNNB1A is implicated as a gene within the beta-catenin-Tcf/Lef signaling pathway.
  • Down-regulation of DRCTNNB1A may contribute to the development of colorectal cancer.

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