Epigenetic regulation of miRNA-cancer stem cells nexus by nutraceuticals

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Nutraceuticals, bioactive food components, have demonstrated anticancer properties by targeting deregulated signaling pathways in cancer cells.
• Emerging cancer research areas like epigenetic regulation, microRNAs (miRNAs), and cancer stem cells (CSCs) initially seemed unrelated to nutraceuticals.
• Recent evidence highlights the relevance of nutraceuticals in modern cancer research, particularly their influence on miRNA and CSCs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of how nutraceuticals epigenetically regulate miRNAs and CSCs.
• To summarize evidence supporting the anticancer effects of nutraceuticals via epigenetic mechanisms.
• To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying nutraceuticals' impact on miRNA and CSCs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on studies investigating nutraceuticals, epigenetic regulation, miRNAs, and CSCs.
• Analysis of direct and indirect evidence for nutraceuticals' activity in epigenetic modulation.
• Synthesis of current research on the molecular mechanisms involved.

Main Results:

• Nutraceuticals can modulate epigenetic mechanisms, influencing the expression and function of miRNAs and CSCs.
• Evidence suggests both direct and indirect roles for nutraceuticals in epigenetic regulation relevant to cancer.
• The molecular mechanisms by which nutraceuticals affect miRNA/CSCs are still under investigation but show promise.

Conclusions:

• Epigenetic regulation is a key mechanism through which nutraceuticals exert anticancer effects.
• Nutraceuticals hold potential as therapeutic or preventive agents by targeting miRNA and CSCs via epigenetic pathways.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the molecular mechanisms and optimize the use of nutraceuticals in cancer treatment.