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DNA methylation and diet in cancer
Gary L Johanning1, Douglas C Heimburger, Chandrika J Piyathilake
1Department of Nutrition Sciences, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA. garyj@uab.edu
The Journal of Nutrition
|December 7, 2002
Summary
Folate and vitamin levels impact DNA methylation in cancer. Global DNA hypomethylation is linked to lung cancer susceptibility and progression, with variations by cancer type and ethnicity.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Investigates the relationship between folate status and DNA methylation in various cancer tissues.
- Examines tissue vitamin levels and global DNA methylation as a biomarker for neoplasia.
Framework:
- Compares normal lung and lung cancer tissues, as well as breast cancer tissues.
- Assesses global DNA methylation in buccal mucosal cells and peripheral leukocytes.
Implementation:
- Lung squamous cell carcinoma showed global DNA hypomethylation with decreased folate and vitamin B-12.
- Breast cancer tissues exhibited global DNA hypomethylation with decreased vitamin B-12 and vitamin C.
- Folate levels were elevated in breast cancer tissues.
Implications:
- Global DNA hypomethylation is associated with lung cancer susceptibility and progression.
- Buccal mucosal cell methylation may reflect lung tissue methylation status.
- DNA methylation patterns and vitamin associations vary by cancer type and ethnicity.