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Key Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms in Chemical Carcinogenesis

Gloria Ravegnini1, Gulia Sammarini1, Patrizia Hrelia1

  • 1Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Via Irnerio 48, I-40126, University of Bologna, Bologna Italy.

Toxicological Sciences : an Official Journal of the Society of Toxicology
|October 27, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Genetic and epigenetic factors, influenced by environmental exposures like particulate matter and benzene, are crucial for understanding disease development and identifying biomarkers for prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental epigenetics
  • Chemical carcinogenesis
  • Molecular epidemiology

Background:

  • DNA sequence alone does not fully explain disease initiation and development.
  • Epigenetic modifications are heritable changes influencing phenotype, crucial for normal development but implicated in diseases like cancer.
  • Environmental and occupational exposures can lead to epigenetic alterations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in understanding genetic and epigenetic factors in chemical carcinogenesis.
  • To explore the role of environmental exposures in epigenetic alterations.
  • To highlight the importance of identifying biomarkers for exposure assessment and disease prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Focus on epidemiological studies.
  • Review of literature on genetic and epigenetic factors.
  • Analysis of exposure data for particulate matter, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Main Results:

  • Environmental exposures, including particulate matter, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, are linked to epigenetic alterations.
  • Genetic and epigenetic events are key in chemical carcinogenesis.
  • Identification of biomarkers is crucial for assessing exposure and predicting health outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic modifications play a significant role in disease development alongside genetic factors.
  • Understanding the interplay between environmental exposures, genetic, and epigenetic factors is vital for public health.
  • Biomarker discovery is essential for preventing adverse health consequences related to chemical carcinogenesis.
Keywords:
DNA methylationbenzenegene expression/regulationgenetic polymorphismsmicroRNAparticulate matterpolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

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