Cell division occurs when a parent cell divides to form two daughter cells during a four-stage process. In the second stage, known as metaphase, pole structures called spindles are created. Anything that disrupts the construction and deconstruction of these spindles halts the process of cell division. Previous studies have shown that damaged cells then commit suicide in a process called apoptosis.

This is the first time the disruption of metaphase by an isothiocyanate has been explored in detail in relation to colon cancer prevention, said Professor Johnson. The mechanism is similar to that used by some anticancer drugs. AITC appears to selectively target tumour cells unlike some other chemotherapeutic drugs that also harm healthy cells. However the mechanism needs further investigation.

This research was funded by the IFR ™s core strategic grant from the BBSRC. It is part of ongoing work at the IFR to investigate the role of dietary microcomponents as protective factors against cancerous tumours of the colon and other digestive organs.

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For a copy of IFR ™s pamphlet on diet and cancer, produced in collaboration with the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer and Cancer Research UK: www.ifr.ac/media/newsreleases/cancerpamphlet.pdf