Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) is a gene whose mutations are associated with a rare, hereditary form of colorectal cancer known as familial adenomatous polyposis. Research led by scientists at the Institut Pasteur and Inserm have recently demonstrated that mutations to this gene do not only lead to the emergence of colon polyps; they also harm the immune system, leaving it unable to tackle inflammation of the colonic mucosa. This dual impact supports the development of cancer.

The finding, published in the journal Cell Reports on October 3rd, 2017, advances scientific knowledge on the development mechanisms of colorectal cancer.

Research led by scientists from the Institut Pasteur and Inserm recently demonstrated that mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, known to be involved in familial adenomatous polyposis, do not only lead to the emergence of colon polyps; they also harm the immune system, leaving it unable to tackle inflammation of the colonic mucosa. This dual impact may favor the development of cancer.

As Andrés Alcover, Head of the Lymphocyte Cell Biology Unit at the Institut Pasteur and last author of the paper, explained, “the APC protein, associated with the microtubule cytoskeleton, has a major effect on the structure and differentiation of intestinal epithelial cells. By disrupting these functions in intestinal cells, APC mutations can lead to the development of tumors.”

Scientists already knew that APC mutations could influence the immune system, but they had not yet identified the molecular mechanisms involved and the link with colorectal cancer development. The teams of scientists elucidated how the APC protein activates a particular type of immune cell known as T lymphocytes. “The protein activates T lymphocytes using a factor known as NFAT1,” continued Andrés Alcover. “Polyposis patients have a mutant version of the gene, which leads to a deficiency in APC protein and could reduce the presence of NFAT in cell nuclei” – thereby preventing lymphocyte activation.

One family of T lymphocytes, known as regulatory T cells, is particularly sensitive to APC mutations. The scientists observed a dysfunction in these regulatory T cells – which are present in large numbers in the intestine – in mice with these mutations that are predisposed to develop polyposis like the patients. This dysfunction leads to a deregulation of the immune system in the intestine and a failure to control local inflammation. “This is the first time that we have characterized at molecular level how mutations in the APC protein affect the immune system, creating favorable conditions for cancer development,” emphasized Andrés Alcover.

These findings suggest that mutations in the APC gene play a dual role in the development of colorectal cancer. Not only do they trigger the development of polyps; they also reduce the action of the immune system, preventing it from controlling gut inflammation. This vicious circle supports the development of cancer.

It remains to be seen whether defects in the APC protein in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis have consequences for the other cells in the immune system, especially those that directly eliminate cancer cells. If so, this research might pave the way for the development of new therapies to improve the efficacy of treatment for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis or other forms of intestinal cancer.