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Sample Preparation to Bioinformatics Analysis of DNA Methylation: Association Strategy for Obesity and Related Trait Studies
Published on: May 6, 2022
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Alcohol, DNA methylation, and cancer
Marta Varela-Rey1, Ashwin Woodhoo, Maria-Luz Martinez-Chantar
1Centro de Investigación Cooperative en Biosciencias (CIC bioGUNE), Technology Park of Bizkaia, Derio, Spain.
Alcohol Research : Current Reviews
|December 10, 2013
Summary
Chronic alcohol consumption increases cancer risk, particularly through acetaldehyde and oxidative stress. DNA methylation changes, influenced by alcohol
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Cancer Biology
- Alcohol Metabolism
Background:
- Chronic alcohol consumption is a significant risk factor for various cancers, including upper aerodigestive tract, liver, colorectal, and breast cancers.
- Established mechanisms of alcohol-induced carcinogenesis involve acetaldehyde and oxidative stress.
- Emerging evidence points to alterations in DNA methylation as a key factor in alcohol-associated cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of aberrant DNA methylation in alcohol-induced carcinogenesis.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which alcohol affects DNA methylation patterns.
- To understand how genetic variations in one-carbon metabolism influence alcohol-related cancer risk.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on alcohol, DNA methylation, and cancer.
- Analysis of pathways involving S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and one-carbon metabolism.
- Investigation of the impact of alcohol on DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and folate levels.
Main Results:
- Alcohol interferes with S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) availability, a crucial methyl donor.
- Alcohol consumption can reduce folate levels and inhibit enzymes in one-carbon metabolism, lowering SAMe.
- Alcohol affects the activity and expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs).
- Genetic polymorphisms in one-carbon metabolism pathways can modify the risk of alcohol-associated cancers.
Conclusions:
- Aberrant DNA methylation is a significant pathway in alcohol-induced carcinogenesis.
- Alcohol's impact on SAMe metabolism and DNMTs contributes to epigenetic alterations driving cancer.
- Understanding these epigenetic mechanisms is crucial for cancer prevention and treatment strategies in individuals with high alcohol intake.
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