Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 27, 2026

Continuous Fluorescence-Based Endonuclease-Coupled DNA Methylation Assay to Screen for DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitors
06:07

Continuous Fluorescence-Based Endonuclease-Coupled DNA Methylation Assay to Screen for DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitors

Published on: August 5, 2022

3.3K

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Inhibited Tumor Growth via Preventing the Decrease of Genomic DNA Methylation in

Qionglin Huang1, Juan Wen1, Guangzhao Chen1

  • 1a Analysis Center, Guangdong Medical University , Zhanjiang , China.

Nutrition and Cancer
|January 16, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) show anticancer effects by reducing tumor incidence in a colorectal cancer model. These omega-3 PUFAs appear to promote DNA methylation, offering a novel epigenetic mechanism for tumor inhibition.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) demonstrate anticancer properties, but their mechanisms remain unclear.
  • Declining 5-methylcytosine (5mC) levels correlate with poor tumor prognosis.
  • DNA methylation is a key epigenetic mechanism influencing gene expression and cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of omega-3 PUFAs on DNA methylation in colorectal cancer (CRC).
  • To explore the potential epigenetic mechanisms underlying the anticancer role of omega-3 PUFAs.

Main Methods:

  • A rat model of colorectal cancer was induced using N-methyl phosphite nitrourea.
  • Rats were administered omega-3 PUFAs during tumor induction.
  • PUFA levels were quantified using gas chromatography.
  • 5-methylcytosine (5mC) levels were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Main Results:

  • Omega-3 PUFA treatment significantly reduced tumor incidence compared to the CRC model group.
  • The ratio of omega-6/omega-3 PUFAs was significantly lower in the omega-3 treated group.
  • 5mC levels were elevated in rats treated with omega-3 PUFAs, suggesting enhanced DNA methylation.

Conclusions:

  • Omega-3 PUFAs exhibit a significant antitumor effect in colorectal cancer.
  • Omega-3 PUFAs may inhibit tumor growth by promoting DNA methylation, representing a novel epigenetic anticancer mechanism.

More Related Videos

Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer07:50

Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer

Published on: September 18, 2020

6.3K
DNBS/TNBS Colitis Models: Providing Insights Into Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Effects of Dietary Fat09:04

DNBS/TNBS Colitis Models: Providing Insights Into Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Effects of Dietary Fat

Published on: February 27, 2014

49.3K

Related Concept Videos

Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the...
5.4K
Epigenetic Regulation01:37

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
4.2K
Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
34.2K
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
5.1K