An American team of the University of Ohio publishes in the review “Science” of August 15, 2008 the discovery of the most important genetic feature associated with colorectal cancer.

The quantitative modifications of the expression of coding gene for the receptor of TGBFb (TGFBR1) are highlighted in 10-20% of the patients with CCR vs 1-3% in the general population. This reduction of expression of this gene modifies the function  of transduction signals associated with receptor (SMAD) and increases the risk to develop a CCR of 9 times compared to the general population.

Germline Allele-Specific Expression of TGFBR1 Confers an Increased Risk of Colorectal Cancer. (Science 2008)