Targeting Epigenetic 'Readers' with Natural Compounds for Cancer Interception

Area of Science:

• Epigenetics and Gene Regulation
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Cancer Biology

Background:

• Dietary phytochemicals influence epigenetics, impacting gene expression in disease.
• Epigenetic modifications involve 'readers', 'writers', and 'erasers' that can be targeted by natural compounds.
• Current research focuses on epigenetic readers, such as bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins, as therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current research on natural compounds as inhibitors of epigenetic reader proteins, particularly BET family members.
• To explore the potential of dietary agents as 'JQ1-like' bioactives for cancer interception.
• To provide a perspective on future research directions and opportunities in this emerging field.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating natural compounds and their effects on epigenetic reader proteins.
• Analysis of existing research on the drug JQ1 and its limitations.
• Synthesis of information on dietary agents with potential epigenetic reader inhibitory activity.

Main Results:

• Natural compounds show promise in targeting epigenetic readers, offering potential for cancer therapy.
• Dietary agents may serve as safer, more accessible alternatives or adjuncts to synthetic inhibitors like JQ1.
• Research in this area is nascent but growing, highlighting significant therapeutic potential.

Conclusions:

• Natural compounds targeting epigenetic readers represent a promising strategy for cancer prevention and treatment.
• Further research is needed to identify and develop these compounds into effective therapeutic agents.
• Repurposing dietary agents as epigenetic reader inhibitors offers a novel approach to cancer interception.