Researchers Find New Gene Linked to Early Colon Cancer

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University reported they have found a new gene that is switched off early in the development of colon cancer.

The gene, called SLC5A8, is inactivated in 60 percent of human colon cancers, the researchers reported in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"In our study, we found the silencing of this tumor suppressor gene is a common and early event in human colon cancer," said Dr. Sanford Markowitz.

He said the researchers also found they can detect the the DNA of the abnormal gene in the blood of patients with colon cancer. This makes the abnormal gene a possible candidate for a new diagnostic test for the early detection of colon cancer.

The researchers also found in studies in mice that the gene transports a mystery substance into the colon cell, by coupling it to the movement of sodium into the cell.

"In further studies, we hope to determine the identity of the mystery substance, which could be a potential target for the development of new anti-colon cancer drugs," said Markowitz.

Other sources: Case Western Reserve University