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DNA Methylation Status in Cancer Disease: Modulations by Plant-Derived Natural Compounds and Dietary Interventions

Karin Jasek1, Peter Kubatka2,3, Marek Samec4

  • 1Division of Oncology, Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia.

Biomolecules
|July 21, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Phytochemicals, plant compounds, show anticancer effects by regulating DNA methylation, a key epigenetic process in cancer. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm their long-term benefits in humans.

Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) are crucial epigenetic regulators; their aberrant function is linked to cancer pathogenesis.
  • Phytochemicals, plant-derived secondary metabolites, possess pleiotropic effects and significant anticancer properties.
  • Epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation changes, are hallmarks of cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in utilizing plant-derived compounds and diets to target epigenetic regulators in cancer research.
  • To explore the potential of phytochemicals as novel anticancer drugs, sensitizers for conventional therapy, or chemopreventive agents.
  • To summarize the preclinical and clinical evidence for phytochemicals' impact on DNA methylation patterns in cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on phytochemicals and epigenetic mechanisms.
  • Analysis of research focusing on phytochemicals targeting DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and gene transcription.
  • Synthesis of findings related to DNA methylation patterns (hypermethylation of tumor suppressors, hypomethylation of oncogenes) in cancer.

Main Results:

  • Phytochemicals demonstrate significant anticancer activities by modulating epigenetic mechanisms, particularly DNA methylation.
  • Plant-derived compounds can reverse cancer-specific DNA methylation patterns, influencing tumor-suppressor and oncogene expression.
  • Preclinical research shows promising results for phytochemicals in cancer treatment and prevention strategies.

Conclusions:

  • Dietary phytochemicals exhibit notable anticancer activities through the regulation of DNA methylation status.
  • Phytochemicals hold potential as epigenetic modulators for novel anticancer drug development and chemoprevention.
  • Well-designed clinical trials are essential to validate the long-term epigenetic benefits of phytochemicals in human cancer therapy.
Keywords:
DNA methylation patternscancerepigenetic modulationsoncogenesphytochemicalsplant-based foodstumor suppressor genes

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