A study by Rutgers University researchers describes a new connection between the way cells consume fat and how genes regulate stem cell behavior in the intestines of mice. According to the study, two genes (HNF4A and HNF4G)expressed in the intestinal cells that line the inside of the colon may be involved in cancer development. The finding discovered that when there’s too much dietary fat in the intestine, stem cell number increases boosting susceptibility to colon cancer. The scientists believe that the genes help stem cells burn fat, providing them energy. By linking gene activation, cell replication number, diet and cancer risk, scientists might be able to better understand the cancer development process in high-risk patients.
Reference Link: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2019-11-intestinal-stem-cell-genes-link.html
