25 November 2009

Scientists reveal 'protector' gene behind 50-fold increase in number of bowel tumours

Cancer Research UK scientists have shown that deleting a single gene can increase the average number of tumours in the bowel by 50-fold, according to research published in PNAS* today (Wednesday).

The scientists, basedat the University of Dundee, removed a gene called GSTP** from mice already genetically predisposed to the development of tumours in the small intestine.

The absence of GSTP led to a 50-fold increase in the number of tumours called adenomas crucially, in the same region of the bowel as the human cancer is found. Adenomas are benign, pre-cancerous tumours.

The profound change in tumour incidence appeared to be related to increased inflammation in the bowel.

It is already known that the GST family of genes protect the body against harmful chemicals. In previous studies by the same team an absence of GSTP in mice led to increased tumour development in the lung and skin following exposure to environmental chemicals such as those found in tobacco smoke. But this study shows that GSTP can also protect against cancer in other ways.

Lead author, Professor Roland Wolf, a Cancer Research UK scientist based in the Biomedical Research Institute at the University of Dundee said, 'These data provide fascinating new insights into a gene which can affect the development of bowel cancer possibly by affecting inflammatory responses.'

Study co-author Dr Colin Henderson, another Dundee-based Cancer Research UK scientist commented, 'We are very excited that this research will help us study how bowel cancer could be prevented and allow new treatments to be tested.'

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK - each year more than 37,500 people are diagnosed with the disease, more than 100 people every day.

Dr Lesley Walker, Cancer Research UK’s director of cancer information said, 'Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK after lung cancer.'

'We already know that at least 10 per cent of bowel cancers in the UK are related to being overweight or obese. We know a diet with lots of red and processed meat will increase the chances of developing bowel cancer whereas a fibre-rich diet reduces the risk.'

'Some studies suggest that GSTP levels could be boosted by chemicals found in vegetables like broccoli. If this can be confirmed in humans, it could suggest another way of reducing the risk of bowel cancer.'

Notes to Editors:

*Markedly enhanced colon tumorigenesis in ApcMin mice lacking glutathione S-transferase Pi. Kenneth J. Ritchie et al. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Online (US). www.pnas.org.

**enzyme glutathione transferase Pi

About the University of Dundee:
The University of Dundee is internationally recognised for its excellence in life sciences and medical research, with particular expertise in cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and tropical diseases.

The University has research expanding from 'the cell to the clinic to the community', and has a larger medical research complex than the National Institute for Medical Research in London. The University has an excellent track record in attracting research income and commercialising research activity. See www.dundee.ac.uk ( file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rigby04/Local%20Settings/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/OLK10/www.dundee.ac.uk ) for further details.

About Cancer Research UK:
Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading charity dedicated to beating cancer through research.

The charity’s groundbreaking work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives. This work is funded entirely by the public.

Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival rates double in the last thirty years.

Cancer Research UK supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of more than 4,800 scientists, doctors and nurses.

Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK's vision is to beat cancer.

For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 020 7121 6699 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.

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