Singapore - Scientists have discovered a genetic clue that could prevent the growth and development of colorectal cancer, news reports said Tuesday.

The Singapore team found that when the gene called RUNX3 is disrupted, colorectal cancer can occur. RUNX3 suppresses abnormal cell growth.

"For the first time, we found that inactivated RUNX3 occurs at the early stage of the cancer and is relatively easy to detect," The Straits Times quoted Professor Yoshiaki Ito, an oncology professor at the National University of Singapore, as saying.

"This is significant as it is possible to reactivate the gene to slow down the cancerous growth."

The latest findings move experts closer to identifying the right targets to develop therapeutic treatments, the report said.

"The outcome of the research also lays the groundwork for a diagnostic kit for early detection," said Professor John Wong, dean at the medical school.

The study of the gene in colon cancer involved animal models and tissue samples from patients. The RUNX3 gene in all the human samples were "switched off," Ito said.

Changes to the gene appear to involve its function and not its innate DNA sequence.

"This means its basic core remains intact, making it possible to be reactivated," Ito said in the newspaper report. "We are now looking at how to do so and with which chemicals."

Colorectal cancer in its early stages usually does not cause any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, the most common include blood in the stools, change in bowel habits and fatigue. (dpa)