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Polymorphisms, genomic imprinting and cancer susceptibility
D J Pulford1, J G Falls, J K Killian
1Department of Safety of Medicines, Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 4TG, UK.
Mutation Research
|January 8, 1999
Summary
Genomic imprinting, an epigenetic process, alongside genetic mutations, increases cancer susceptibility. Environmental factors can trigger both genetic and epigenetic changes, impacting cancer development by altering gene expression.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Epigenetics
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Genetic variations in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are known cancer predispositions.
- Genomic imprinting, a form of epigenetic regulation, is emerging as a factor in cancer susceptibility.
- Cancer risk arises from both inherited genetic and epigenetic factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of genomic imprinting in cancer susceptibility.
- To examine how epigenetic changes contribute to carcinogenesis.
- To explore the dual mechanisms of genetic and epigenetic alterations in cancer development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on genomic imprinting and cancer.
- Analysis of epigenetic mechanisms in gene regulation.
- Examination of proto-oncogene and tumor suppressor gene expression in cancer.
Main Results:
- Genomic imprinting can act as a cancer predisposing event.
- Environmental agents can induce cancer via genetic mutations and epigenetic changes.
- Inappropriate expression of imprinted genes contributes to cancer.
Conclusions:
- Both genetic and epigenetic alterations play critical roles in cancer susceptibility.
- Understanding genomic imprinting is crucial for cancer research.
- Epigenetic modifications represent a significant pathway in carcinogenesis.