TitleDietary phytochemicals, HDAC inhibition, and DNA damage/repair defects in cancer cells.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsRajendran P, Ho E, Williams DE, Dashwood RH
JournalClin Epigenetics
Volume3
Issue1
Pagination4
Date Published2011
ISSN1868-7083
Abstract

Genomic instability is a common feature of cancer etiology. This provides an avenue for therapeutic intervention, since cancer cells are more susceptible than normal cells to DNA damaging agents. However, there is growing evidence that the epigenetic mechanisms that impact DNA methylation and histone status also contribute to genomic instability. The DNA damage response, for example, is modulated by the acetylation status of histone and non-histone proteins, and by the opposing activities of histone acetyltransferase and histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes. Many HDACs overexpressed in cancer cells have been implicated in protecting such cells from genotoxic insults. Thus, HDAC inhibitors, in addition to unsilencing tumor suppressor genes, also can silence DNA repair pathways, inactivate non-histone proteins that are required for DNA stability, and induce reactive oxygen species and DNA double-strand breaks. This review summarizes how dietary phytochemicals that affect the epigenome also can trigger DNA damage and repair mechanisms. Where such data is available, examples are cited from studies in vitro and in vivo of polyphenols, organosulfur/organoselenium compounds, indoles, sesquiterpene lactones, and miscellaneous agents such as anacardic acid. Finally, by virtue of their genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, cancer chemopreventive agents are being redefined as chemo- or radio-sensitizers. A sustained DNA damage response coupled with insufficient repair may be a pivotal mechanism for apoptosis induction in cancer cells exposed to dietary phytochemicals. Future research, including appropriate clinical investigation, should clarify these emerging concepts in the context of both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms dysregulated in cancer, and the pros and cons of specific dietary intervention strategies.

DOI10.1186/1868-7083-3-4
Alternate JournalClin Epigenetics
PubMed ID22247744
PubMed Central IDPMC3255482
Grant ListP01 CA090890 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
R01 CA122959-05 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
R01 CA065525 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
P01 CA090890-08 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
R01 CA122959 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
R01 CA065525-10 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States