Intestinal stem cell genes may link dietary fat, colon cancer
A new study describes a new connection between the way cells consume fat and how genes regulate stem cell behaviour in the intestines of mice. According to a study, 2 genes that appear to help stem cells in the intestine burn dietary fat may play a role in colon cancer.
This is important because scientists how shown that when there's too much dietary fat in the intestine, stem cell numbers increase, boosting susceptibility to colon cancer, said a researcher.
People naturally lose million on intestinal cells daily, much like they lose skin cells. Intestinal stem cells undergo constant renewal and fuel the continuous turnover of the lining of the intestine, but altered stem cell functions can lead to colon cancer.
Colorectal cancer ( of the colon / rectum) is the 3rd most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the US. An estimated 101,420 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society.
Recent studies have shown that intestinal stem cells can increase in animals on high fat " Western " diet, potentially explaining an elevated cancer risk from such a diet.
The researchers recently discovered that 2 genes (HNF4A and HNF4G) work together to promote the proper function of the intestinal lining. In the new study, they found that mice lost intestinal stem cells when these genes were inactivated, confirming their importance. The researchers believe that the genes help stem cells burn fat, providing them energy.
Going forward, the researchers hope to further investigate whether the 2 genes alter stem cell numbers and cancer risk during a high-fat diet, said a researcher.
This is important because scientists how shown that when there's too much dietary fat in the intestine, stem cell numbers increase, boosting susceptibility to colon cancer, said a researcher.
People naturally lose million on intestinal cells daily, much like they lose skin cells. Intestinal stem cells undergo constant renewal and fuel the continuous turnover of the lining of the intestine, but altered stem cell functions can lead to colon cancer.
Colorectal cancer ( of the colon / rectum) is the 3rd most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the US. An estimated 101,420 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society.
Recent studies have shown that intestinal stem cells can increase in animals on high fat " Western " diet, potentially explaining an elevated cancer risk from such a diet.
The researchers recently discovered that 2 genes (HNF4A and HNF4G) work together to promote the proper function of the intestinal lining. In the new study, they found that mice lost intestinal stem cells when these genes were inactivated, confirming their importance. The researchers believe that the genes help stem cells burn fat, providing them energy.
Going forward, the researchers hope to further investigate whether the 2 genes alter stem cell numbers and cancer risk during a high-fat diet, said a researcher.