Question

Part 4: The APC protein Sam, I'm really worried about hearing my test results today," Jane said as they headed in for another visit with their genetic counselor. "After Ms. Meeker explained your results to us, l've been dreading hearing whether or not I have the mutation, too Sam nodded, saying, "l can understand how you feel. I'm glad I can be here at the appointment, too, to support you. Whatever happens, you know your family is here for you. Ms. Meeker arrived in the waiting room. "Jane and Sam, I'm glad you're here. Please come in and let's talk," she said, leading them into her office. "l'm sorry Jane, but your genetic testing results show that you inherited the same mutation in the APC gene that Sam has. As we discussed earlier, familial adenomatous polyposis, or FAP, is caused by a mutation in the APC gene. You inherited one normal copy and one mutant copy of the APC gene, and because of that, you are one step closer to cancer than a person who inherited two good copies of the gene. If the remaining good copy of the APC gene in your cells is damaged this will lead to the development of colon cancer." Sam wrapped Jane in a bear hug. "I don't know what to think, Jane replied. "lguess I'm feeling numb. What is it about this APC protein that connects it to cancer? And what am l supposed to do next?" If you like, we can talk more about what APC does, and why this protein is important for control of cell growth," Ms. Meeker offered. "And, l'd like to talk with you sometime soon about what we would recommend you should do next for your health management, too. Why don't we start with some more information about the APC protein," Ms. Meeker continued. "APC interacts with and binds to other proteins in the cell. The APC protein is large, and we know that there are sub-regions within this protein. Each sub-region is specialized for binding to a different other protein. When APC binds to other proteins, it influences the function of these other proteins. I have two figures to show you that I think will help make this clearer. Let me walk you through them," she said as she handed Jane and Sam a printout of two figures.

Answer 1

2) If the remaining normal APC gene were damaged, no APC protein would be formed, thus the concentration of B catenin proteins would get accumulated , entering the cell nucleus and binding to T- cell factor. This activated T cell factor complexed with B catenin protein would then trigger transcription of genes that promote uncontrolled cell division cauing tumor formations.

3)the 3 categories are :

• Oncogenes- these genes signal the cell to grow and mutations in these genes would unable the cell to sense the signal to stop cell division.
• Tumor suppressor genes - these genes normally inhibit cell proliferatio and tumor development. Their action in a cell is similar to that of brakes in cars.
• stability genes- these genes control the rate of mutation.

4) APC is tumor supressor gene.

5) Ms Meeker could recommend to Ms Jane a change in her diet, to avoid artificial and processed and junk foods that may contain many harmful chemicals, taste enhancers and preservatives which are predisposing factors to cancer. She could also recommend diet which is strong in nutrition and contains organic fruits , vegetables ,antioxidants and also to avoid the use of refined and reused oils.