Epigenetic Theory

Abstract: Cancer is considered one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Although preventative strategies, early detection, and improved treatment options have been developed since its origin, novel targets and therapeutics are still needed. Since concluding that cancer is mediated by genetic and epigenetic alterations of the cell, many research groups are now focusing on other means of prevention and therapy via nutrition, epigenetic mechanisms, and non-coding RNAs which have been shown to control gene expression and have many different functions at the cellular level. With the advent of high-throughput sequencing in human cancer, the potential to identify novel biomarkers and potential targets of disease has increased tremendously

Several studies have shown that biologically active components of some fruits and vegetables may have a promising protective effect against cancer cell formation and proliferation. The mechanism of action has yet to be fully determined, but it has been suggested that alterations in epigenetic mechanisms may have a vital role in this phenomenon [6]. The emergence of epigenetics and the correlation that has been found between factors such as diet and lifestyle with various cancers emphasizes that proper nutrition is critical during all phases of life. Elucidating the influence of nutritional involvement in epigenetic mechanisms may be instrumental in predicting inter-individual differences in regards to susceptibility to cancer and providing uses of natural compounds against cancer. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of current research on cancer epigenetics and nutrition and to elaborate the potential of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and dietary factors in cancer prevention and

This modification is catalyzed by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) that exist in three flavors- DNMT1, DNMT3a, and DNMT3b. DNMT1 is primarily a maintenance methyltransferase that functions in development, whereas DNMT3a and DNMT3b facilitate de novo methylation [15]. DNA methylation can lead to repression or activation of transcription depending on location relative to promoters or genes [16]. DNA methylation plays a role in aging, differentiation, and responses to environmental changes [17]. In cancer, aberrant DNA methylation patterns such as hypermethylation and hypomethylation have been correlated with different stages of cancer progression and metastasis in many different tumor