Description

The Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) protein is a tumor suppressor and a key component of the WNT signaling pathway, which is involved in cell growth, differentiation, and tissue development. In WNT signaling, APC is a key component of the destruction complex, which targets β-catenin, a key protein involved in the Wnt signaling pathway, for degradation. When APC is mutated or inactivated, it can lead to a constitutive activation of the Wnt pathway, resulting in uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation, contributing to tumor formation. Approximately 80% of colon cancers have mutations in the APC gene. These mutations are often an early initiating factor in the development of colorectal cancer, particularly in sporadic cases. APC mutations are also a major cause of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), a condition that significantly increases the risk of developing colon cancer.