Genetic Key for Colon Cancer Found between Fruit Flies & Humans

Fruit flies do not have an individual colon, instead an intestine that contains a colon and rectum that similarly mimics the function of a human colon. Researchers at the Institute for Research in BioMedicine - Barcelona, have recently developed fruit flies with mutated APC and Ras genes. APC and Ras genes are two particular genes that are altered in tumors for human colon cancer. Since fruit flies have a short reproductive cycle, they're great for genetic research. The scientists were able to examine 250 genes that were altered with APC and Ras type tumors. Only 30% of the genes actually determined the rate of tumor growth. Of all the genes involved, the group of researchers focused on a gene called Mirror in a Drosophila, Irx in humans. Through their study, they were able to determine that the gene was a huge factor for tumor growth in the early stages of the cancer. This was very promising news because the study of human cancer - especially in the early stages is difficult.

Tumor (Green) surrounded by Muscle Fibers (Red) of the Drosophila Studied

The findings in this study is certainly a breakthrough. "We have generated cancer in an adult organism and from stem cells, thus reproducing what happens in most types of human cancers," explained Andreu Casali - Associate Researcher at the institute.  Now scientists are able to look at a new perspective for human colon cancer. As research continues they'll be able to target certain genes like Irx in humans in the early stages of cancer to hopefully stop the spread of tumors. Irx will certainly be focus point for drug treatment in colon cancer. Fruit flies can't be used for potential drug treatments of colon cancer. However, fruit flies will help scientists to develop the target points when they conduct mice testing.The fruit flies give scientists a new way to analyze the minor interactions in cancerous cells, a area of study that was extremely difficult with mice and current technology. This also allows scientists to manipulate fruit flies at a much faster and cost-effective way than testing with lab mice. Hopefully, as research continues, soon they'll be a way to beat colon cancer, and many of the other cancers that continue to plague our society. 

Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/10/141008101400.htm

Article Related: Arc and Ras Genes in Colon Cancer - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15943410