Mechanisms Regulating Microtubule Binding, DNA Replication, and Apoptosis are Controlled by the Intestinal Tumor Suppressor APC.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) results from the progressive accumulation of both genetic and epigenetic alterations that lead to the transformation of normal colorectal epithelium to benign (adenoma) and invasive (carcinoma) disease. Since its discovery in mutated form as the causative gene for familial adenomatous polyposis coli (FAP), as well as in many sporadic CRCs, the APC tumor suppressor has been shown to possess numerous functions within the cell including regulation of WNT signaling pathways and its transcriptional effects, cell migration, and chromosome separation. In recent years, other novel roles for APC have been investigated and suggest that APC can also repress DNA replication and enhance apoptosis. Further insights into the mechanisms by which APC contributes to tumor suppression will accelerate the diagnosis and treatment of CRC.