How Colon Cancer and Retinoic Acid are Interrelated

Progress has been made recently in the search for a treatment to cure colon cancer. On October 6, 2006, The Journal of Biological Chemistry published a study about this and the results were astounding. They found out a particular molecule that is most probably one of the major cause of colon cancer worldwide. This particular molecule is termed as the C-Terminal Binding Protein or (CTBP). The C-Terminal Binding Protein is found in 85% of those diagnosed with colon cancer, this figure is astonishing and it proves beyond doubt that controlling this particular molecule is the answer to most of the cases in colon cancer in humans.

By immobilizing this particular molecule, doctors can stop the mutation that this molecule will brought about in the human gene called adenomatous polyposis coli, by doing this, doctors would prevent their patients from having colon cancer as this mutation is actually the first and foremost step in the development of colon cancer.

The scenario we can see in a human that has healthy cells, the adenomatous polyposis coli gene in humans would actually stop the spread of the C-Terminal Binding Protein by destroying it, therefore controlling the amount of this particular molecule in the body, the problem arises when the adenomatous polyposis coli gene has already mutated because it would no longer be able to control the amount of C-Terminal Binding Protein in the body. If this mutation isn't stopped, the human intestine would not be able to function normally.

One of the results that come from C-Terminal Binding Protein is that it stops the normal procedure in the body that turns the Vitamin A it accumulated that later change into retinoic acid. If the Vitamin A isn't changed into retinoic acid as is the normal procedure, the body would not be able to manufacture normal cells because retinoic acid is actually the ones responsible for the determination of what kinds of cells the body should form and how long these cells will remain in the body.

If the body had retained an unnecessary amount of C-Terminal Binding Protein, it could be dangerous as this could lead to colon cancer. The reason for this is because the body would not be able to produce adequate amount of retinoic acid that it really needs. So when in the mutation in the adenomatous polyposis coli the culprit, the C-Terminal Binding Protein is removed, the result would be the restoration of the normal function in the intestines because the level of manufacturing the retinoic acid that is of utmost importance was made to be back to normal.

But the downside to this otherwise beneficial breakthrough is that the C-Terminal Binding Protein is an unfamiliar agent to stop or remove from the body. Researchers are now studying some drugs that can help the body in stopping the actions of the C-Terminal Binding Protein before it poses a greater threat to the human body.

Understanding the importance of retinoic acid and its role in preventing the mutation of the adenomatous polyposis coli gene in the human body is important. By understanding the functions of our body better we will be able to protect ourselves against colon cancer and also safeguard our over all health.

This particular study is really an essential break through because right now cancer in the colon is one of the cancers that really kills people especially in the United States. This type of cancer is also one of the common types found in the Western World.

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Article Source: ezinearticles

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