Figure 3.

The Links between FTO and Colon Cancer. Over-expression of FTO protein could increase incidence of colon cancer through both obesity dependent and independent pathways. FTO increases food intake through satiety hormone leptin, causing obesity. In independent obesity associated pathway, FTO can initiate cellular signalling molecules STAT3, cyclin D1 and MMPs to increase cancer incidence. FTO, Fat mass and obesity associated; STAT3, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3; MMPs, matrix metalloproteinase; NPY, neuropeptide Y. (Adapted from Chen et al., 2013)