Epigenetics, Diet and Cancer.Epigenetics, Diet and Cancer.

ARIJIT BHATTACHARJEEARIJIT BHATTACHARJEE

Department of Biotechnology, Assam University, Silchar.

Epigenetics: all meiotically and mitotically heritable changes in gene expression that are not coded in the DNA sequence itself• DNA methylation• RNA associated silencing• Histone modification (Nature 2004;429:457-73).

Studies have shown that human cancer cells harbor global epigenetic abnormalities, in addition to numerous genetic alterations (Jones, et al., 2002).

The reversible nature of the profound epigenetic changes that occur in cancer has led to the possibility of ‘epigenetic therapy’ as a treatment option (Sharma et al., 2010).

This nature of epigenetic changes has been used for the development of first epigenetic drugs for the treatment of subtypes of leukemias and lymphomas Manuel et al.,2011).

Diet can influence the degree of methylation by influencing the availability of methyl donors, including folate, choline, and methionine, as well as methyltransferase activity (Pogribny et al 2006, Ross SA.2003).

Cancer incidence and death are potentially avoidable by modification of the diet as well as by physical activity [AICR, 2007].

Epigenetic Regulation of Cancer

Site SpecificHypermethylation

GlobalHypomethylation

Histone Modifications

Regulating Factors

DietaryHormonalGenetic

Verma M, Srivastava S. Lancet Oncol. (2002) 3:755-63.

DNA MethyltransferasesHistone MethyltransferasesHistone Acetylases/Deacetylases

Epigenetics Regulates:Cell Cycle ControlDNA DamageApoptosisInvasionX-Chromosome InactivationImprintingAging

Diet May Influence Genetic & Epigenetic Events Associated with Several Cancer Processes

DNA Repair

Hormonal Regulation

Carcinogen Metabolism

Apoptosis

BioactiveFood

Components

DifferentiationCell Cycle

U54 RFA Review Nov

To examine key epigenetic events involved in cancer processes.

Encourage collaboration between nutrigenomics and epigenomics experts to study bioactive food components with cancer preventative properties.

Future Approach

To establish linkages between methylation pattern and tumor incidence/behavior.

The Role of Nutrition in Cancer Prevention : responsible for reduced risk of cancers include the wider use of fibres, less use of fats, no use of meats, less storage of iron substances and larger consumption of anti-oxidants (Divisi et al., 2006).

Nutritional epigenetics: assist in characterizing genome-wide epigenetic marks that are targets for dietary regulation.

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