Identifying the Role of Transcription Factor 12 in Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Colorectal cancers (CRCs) are caused by genetic mutations in one intestinal cell that cause it to multiply uncontrollably. This abnormal proliferation forms a tumor that can continue to progress from a benign state to malignancy due to more genetic mutations. In a previous study our lab noted that the gene Transcription factor 12 (Tcf12) was frequently mutated in CRC tumors. To determine whether mutation of Tcf12 suppresses or enhances tumor formation, we are analyzing normal mice and mice already prone to develop CRC that were engineered to lackTcf12 function. Preliminary data suggests that these mice have more tumors due to the lack of Tcf12 expression. These results suggest that Tcf12 is a tumor suppressor gene, which normally inhibits tumor formation unless it is silenced due to mutation. We expect that by identifying the exact role of Tcf12 in CRC this will provide a new target for research and development of CRC treatments or biomarkers.