Project

A novel genetically tractable model for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis in Xenopus

Code
3G0D8716
Duration
01 January 2016 → 31 December 2019
Funding
Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO)
Research disciplines
  • Social sciences
    • Other social sciences
Keywords
Xenopus
 
Project description

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the
presence of hundreds to thousands of benign, adenomatous polyps in the colon, which may
progress into adenocarcinomas. FAP is caused by a germline mutation in the APC gene. Adenoma
formation is frequently accompanied by extra-colonic manifestations such as desmoid tumors.
Especially the treatment of these desmoid tumors is still an underestimated clinical problem and no
good animal models are available at the moment. Using novel TALEN- and CRISPR/Cas9 mediated
genome editing, we developed a novel APC tumor model in the genetically tractable model
organism Xenopus. We want to use this model to get a better understanding in colorectal cancer
and in the etiology of the different extracolonic tumors found in FAP patients. Genes activated
downstream of APC mutation, will be screened in our model for their possible therapeutic
opportunities.