The many faces of the tumor suppressor gene APC

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J H van Es1, R H Giles, H C Clevers

  • 1Department of Immunology and Center for Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center, Utrecht, 3508 GA, The Netherlands. J.vanEs@azu.nl

Experimental Cell Research
|March 10, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Inactivation of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor is key in colon cancer. APC

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Inactivation of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) protein is a critical early step in the development of familial and sporadic colon cancer.
  • APC is a multifunctional protein regulating cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, cytoskeletal organization, and chromosomal stability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize recent findings on the diverse roles of the APC protein.
  • To emphasize APC's interactions with binding partners and their role in normal cell function and tumor development.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent findings on APC protein interactions.
  • Analysis of the functional consequences of APC binding partner interactions.

Main Results:

  • APC interacts with various proteins through discrete motifs, suggesting diverse functions.
  • These interactions are crucial for normal cellular processes.
  • Disruption of APC interactions is implicated in tumor development.

Conclusions:

  • APC is a multitasking tumor suppressor protein with diverse roles.
  • Understanding APC's interactions is key to comprehending its role in colon cancer and developing therapeutic strategies.

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