Colon cancer gene is identified

BOSTON, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. cancer researchers say they have linked a previously unsuspected gene, CDK8, to the development of colon cancer.

The Dana Farber Cancer Institute scientists say their identification of CDK8 as a cancer-causing gene demonstrates that despite the large number of cancer-causing genes already identified, many more remain to be found.

The researchers said their discovery of CDK8's role in cancer was made possible by newly developed tools that assess the activity of specific genes. And, as those tools are further improved, the stream of newly discovered cancer genes is expected to increase, providing new avenues for therapy, the scientists said.

"This study provides confirmation that many of the genes involved in cancer have yet to be identified," said Dr. William Hahn, the study's senior author. "When it comes to identifying gene targets for therapy, we've really only scratched the surface."

The research is reported in the online edition of the journal Nature.