TitleDietary factors and epigenetic regulation for prostate cancer prevention.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsHo E, Beaver LM, Williams DE, Dashwood RH
JournalAdv Nutr
Volume2
Issue6
Pagination497-510
Date Published2011 Nov
ISSN2156-5376
KeywordsDNA Methylation, Epigenesis, Genetic, Food, Histones, Humans, Male, Micronutrients, MicroRNAs, Plant Extracts, Prostatic Neoplasms, Trace Elements
Abstract

The role of epigenetic alterations in various human chronic diseases has gained increasing attention and has resulted in a paradigm shift in our understanding of disease susceptibility. In the field of cancer research, e.g., genetic abnormalities/mutations historically were viewed as primary underlying causes; however, epigenetic mechanisms that alter gene expression without affecting DNA sequence are now recognized as being of equal or greater importance for oncogenesis. Methylation of DNA, modification of histones, and interfering microRNA (miRNA) collectively represent a cadre of epigenetic elements dysregulated in cancer. Targeting the epigenome with compounds that modulate DNA methylation, histone marks, and miRNA profiles represents an evolving strategy for cancer chemoprevention, and these approaches are starting to show promise in human clinical trials. Essential micronutrients such as folate, vitamin B-12, selenium, and zinc as well as the dietary phytochemicals sulforaphane, tea polyphenols, curcumin, and allyl sulfur compounds are among a growing list of agents that affect epigenetic events as novel mechanisms of chemoprevention. To illustrate these concepts, the current review highlights the interactions among nutrients, epigenetics, and prostate cancer susceptibility. In particular, we focus on epigenetic dysregulation and the impact of specific nutrients and food components on DNA methylation and histone modifications that can alter gene expression and influence prostate cancer progression.

DOI10.3945/an.111.001032
Alternate JournalAdv Nutr
PubMed ID22332092
PubMed Central IDPMC3226387
Grant ListCA122959 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
P01 CA090890 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
P30 ES00210 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States
R01 CA080176 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
CA90890 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
R01 CA122906 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
CA80176 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
R29 CA065525 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
R01 CA065525 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
CA122906 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
R01 CA122959 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
CA65525 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
P30 ES000210 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States