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Plant polysaccharides influence tumor development based on epigenetics: a review
1College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.
Frontiers in Pharmacology
|May 21, 2025
Summary
Plant polysaccharides are key epigenetic modulators in oncology, targeting DNA demethylation and gene expression. They enhance chemotherapy efficacy and reduce toxicity, offering new precision oncology treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Conventional cancer therapies face limitations due to toxicity and drug resistance.
- Plant polysaccharides show promise as epigenetic modulators with multi-target therapeutic potential.
- Understanding their epigenetic mechanisms is crucial for developing novel cancer treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epigenetic mechanisms of plant polysaccharides in oncology.
- To elucidate their roles in DNA demethylation, histone modification, and miRNA regulation.
- To explore their synergistic effects with conventional therapies and impact on the tumor microenvironment.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of multi-database evidence (PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI) from 2010-2025.
- Analysis of epigenetic mechanisms including TET2-mediated DNA demethylation, JMJD2D inhibition, and miR-139-5p regulation.
- Examination of preclinical data on synergistic effects, immune modulation, and organ protection.
Main Results:
- Plant polysaccharides modulate epigenetics via DNA demethylation (TET2) and histone modification (JMJD2D inhibition).
- They regulate tumor-suppressive microRNAs (miRNAs) like miR-139-5p.
- Preclinical studies show synergistic effects with chemotherapy, enhancing antitumor activity and reducing toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Plant polysaccharides are effective epigenetic modulators with significant potential in precision oncology.
- They offer synergistic benefits with conventional treatments by modulating the tumor microenvironment and immune responses.
- Further research on standardization and combinatorial therapies is needed for clinical translation.
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