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CancerQuest > Introduction to Patient Information > Introduction to Cancer by Type > Gastric Cancer: Introduction > Gastric Cancer: Tumor Biology and Genetics

Gastric Cancer: Tumor Biology and Genetics

Mutation (or epigenetic modification) of key genes alters the behavior of cancer cells. The genetic alterations lead to changes in protein products and changes in the amount of product produced by genes (gene expression). As changes accumulate, the cells become more abnormal and cancer progresses. Details about these changes can be found in the Mutation section. Some of the genes that have been shown to be important in the development of gastric cancer are listed and discussed below:

• CDH1 Gene
• TP53 Gene
• APC Gene

CDH1 Gene
CDH1 codes for a protein called epithelial cadherin or E-cadherin. This protein is involved in cell-cell adhesion and is responsible for the formation of organized tissues. E-cadherin also has roles in cell signaling, cell movement, and gene reglation. CDH1 functions as a tumor suppressor gene. Inherited CDH1 mutations are responsible for hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) syndrome. Mutations in this gene also raise the risk for developing lobular breast carcinoma and prostate cancer. ⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾

TP53 Gene
TP53 is a tumor suppressor gene that encodes the protein product p53. It has been reported that TP53 is damaged (mutated) or lost in up to 80% of gastric cancers.⁽¹⁾

Learn more about abnormal p53 and cancer development.

APC Gene
APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) is a tumor suppressor gene that plays a role in cell signaling. The APC gene is well known for its role the development of colorectal cancer. However, mutations in this gene are also found in 60% of intestinal-type gastric cancers and 25% of gastric adenomas.⁽¹⁾

Learn more about APC and cancer development.

References for this page:

1. Zheng L, Wang L, Ajani J, Xie K. "Molecular basis of gastric cancer development and progression." Gastric Cancer. 2004;7(2):61-77. Review. [PUBMED]
2. Graziano F, Humar B, Guilford P. "The role of the E-cadherin gene (CDH1) in diffuse gastric cancer susceptibility: from the laboratory to clinical practice." Ann Oncol. 2003 Dec;14(12):1705-13. Review. [PUBMED]