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Impact on DNA methylation in cancer prevention and therapy by bioactive dietary components

Y Li1, T O Tollefsbol

  • 1Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.

Current Medicinal Chemistry
|April 29, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Dietary polyphenols like EGCG can inhibit DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), reversing cancer-promoting gene hypermethylation. This epigenetic modulation by bioactive food components offers a promising avenue for cancer prevention and therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics
  • Nutritional Science
  • Cancer Biology

Background:

  • Aberrant gene regulation via epigenetic mechanisms, particularly DNA methylation, is a hallmark of cancer development.
  • CpG island hypermethylation silences key tumor suppressor genes during tumorigenesis.
  • Dietary bioactive compounds show potential in cancer inhibition by influencing epigenetic processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the effects of dietary polyphenols on DNA methylation modulation in cancer.
  • To explore the potential of dietary DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors for cancer prevention and therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of scientific literature on dietary polyphenols and their impact on DNA methylation.
  • Focus on specific compounds like (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), genistein, and isothiocyanates.
  • Examination of DNMT inhibition mechanisms and gene reactivation through demethylation.

Main Results:

  • Dietary polyphenols, including EGCG, genistein, and isothiocyanates, can inhibit DNMTs, reducing aberrant DNA hypermethylation.
  • These compounds promote gene reactivation by demethylating silenced tumor suppressor genes (e.g., p16INK4a, retinoic acid receptor beta).
  • Polyphenols may inhibit DNMT1 directly or indirectly via metabolic effects.

Conclusions:

  • Reversal of hypermethylation-induced gene silencing by dietary DNMT inhibitors is a viable strategy for cancer prevention and treatment.
  • Understanding the interplay between diet and the epigenome opens new avenues for cancer research.
  • Dietary interventions targeting epigenetic modifications hold significant promise for influencing cancer biology.

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