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[Folate and cancer]

Xiao-Ping Miao1, Dong-Xin Lin

  • 1Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, Cancer Institute, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China.

AI Zheng = Aizheng = Chinese Journal of Cancer
|September 2, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Folate, essential for DNA synthesis and repair, may protect against cancer. Genetic variations in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) can impair folate metabolism, potentially increasing cancer risk.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Genetics
  • Nutritional Science

Context:

  • Folate, found in fruits and vegetables, plays a crucial role in cellular processes.
  • Folate deficiency is implicated in carcinogenesis due to its role in DNA methylation, synthesis, and repair.

Purpose:

  • To explore the role of folate metabolism in cancer development.
  • To investigate the potential contribution of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms to cancer risk.

Summary:

  • Folate is vital for intracellular methylation and de novo deoxynucleoside synthesis.
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is key in folate biotransformation.
  • Common MTHFR gene polymorphisms (677C-->T and 1298A-->C) reduce enzyme activity, potentially impacting cancer risk.

Impact:

  • Highlights the link between folate metabolism, MTHFR genetics, and cancer.
  • Suggests MTHFR polymorphisms as potential biomarkers for cancer susceptibility.
  • Emphasizes the importance of folate in cancer prevention strategies.

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