A cellular based model of the colon crypt suggests novel effects forApc phenotype in colorectal carcinogenesis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer mortality; loss of the Apc gene is an early step in the formation of CRC.

A new computational model of the colonic crypt has been developed to simulate the effects of Apc loss. The model includes a region of flat mucosa, which has not previously been considered in the context of Apc loss.

The model suggests that Apc loss confers a survival advantage at the crypt mouth which may be a previously unknown method of mutation fixation.