Introduction to DCC, A Potential Drug Target (G1630)

Target Name: DCC

NCBI ID: G1630

Content of Review Report on DCC Target / Biomarker

DCC

Introduction to DCC, A Potential Drug Target

DCC (Deleted in Colorectal Cancer) is a protein that has been identified as a potential drug target and biomarker in various types of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer. This article aims to explore the significance of DCC in cancer development and its potential applications in diagnosis and treatment.

Understanding DCC

DCC is a membrane-bound protein that belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily. It plays a crucial role in axon guidance and neuronal development during embryogenesis. However, its significance extends beyond neurodevelopment as it is also implicated in cancer progression.

DCC as a Tumor Suppressor Gene

Research has shown that DCC functions as a tumor suppressor gene. In healthy cells, DCC acts as a guidance receptor by interacting with netrin-1, a protein involved in axonal guidance. This interaction triggers signaling pathways that regulate cell migration, proliferation, and apoptosis.

In colorectal cancer, the DCC gene is frequently mutated or deleted, leading to the loss of its tumor suppressor function. This loss-of-function mutation allows cancer cells to grow and proliferate unchecked, leading to tumor formation and metastasis.

Importance of DCC in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Identifying molecular markers that can aid in early detection and targeted therapy is crucial for improving patient outcomes. DCC has emerged as a promising biomarker in this regard.

Studies have shown that the loss of DCC expression is associated with advanced tumor stages, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis in colorectal cancer patients. Therefore, DCC serves as an important prognostic marker, allowing clinicians to estimate the aggressiveness of tumors and make informed treatment decisions.

Potential Therapeutic Applications

As a drug target, DCC holds great promise for the development of targeted therapies in cancer. Restoring DCC expression or function in cancer cells could potentially inhibit tumor growth and suppress metastasis.

Researchers have been exploring various strategies to target DCC, including the use of small molecules, antibodies, and gene therapy approaches. By selectively targeting cancer cells with DCC mutations, these therapies aim to reinstate normal DCC function and restore the tumor suppressor activity.

Diagnostic Applications

In addition to its potential therapeutic applications, DCC can also play a crucial role in the early detection and diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Recent studies have explored the use of DCC as a diagnostic biomarker in fecal samples, blood tests, and tissue biopsies.

The detection of DCC mutations or alterations in these samples could serve as a non-invasive method for screening high-risk individuals and monitoring treatment responses. This approach has the potential to improve early detection rates and facilitate timely intervention, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.

Conclusion

DCC is a protein with diverse roles, ranging from axon guidance during embryogenesis to its involvement in cancer progression. In the context of colorectal cancer, DCC serves as a valuable biomarker and drug target.

Its association with advanced tumor stages, metastasis, and poor prognosis highlights its potential as a prognostic marker. Furthermore, the development of targeted therapies that restore DCC function holds promise for improving treatment outcomes in colorectal cancer patients.

Additionally, the use of DCC as a diagnostic biomarker could revolutionize colorectal cancer screening and surveillance, paving the way for early detection and personalized treatment approaches. Ongoing research and further understanding of DCC's biology and function are essential to fully exploit its potential in cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Protein Name: DCC Netrin 1 Receptor

Functions: Receptor for netrin required for axon guidance. Mediates axon attraction of neuronal growth cones in the developing nervous system upon ligand binding. Its association with UNC5 proteins may trigger signaling for axon repulsion. It also acts as a dependence receptor required for apoptosis induction when not associated with netrin ligand. Implicated as a tumor suppressor gene

The "DCC Target / Biomarker Review Report" is a customizable review of hundreds up to thousends of related scientific research literature by AI technology, covering specific information about DCC comprehensively, including but not limited to:
•   general information;
•   protein structure and compound binding;
•   protein biological mechanisms;
•   its importance;
•   the target screening and validation;
•   expression level;
•   disease relevance;
•   drug resistance;
•   related combination drugs;
•   pharmacochemistry experiments;
•   related patent analysis;
•   advantages and risks of development, etc.
The report is helpful for project application, drug molecule design, research progress updates, publication of research papers, patent applications, etc. If you are interested to get a full version of this report, please feel free to contact us at BD@silexon.ai

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