Epigenetic Mechanisms of Colon Cancer Prevention: What Can Nutrition Do?

Abstract

Colon cancer is the fourth most common cause of death from cancer worldwide. Colon cancer occurs as a consequence of the accumulation of abnormal DNA methylation and the disruption of the histone code. The present review summarizes etiology and risk factors of colon cancer and the potential of nutrition to counteract these cancer-related epigenetic alterations. Unlike the genome, epigenetic structure can be reshaped, which has the potential to offer access for the prevention and treatment of cancer by any compounds that directly target the epigenome

The Interaction between Epigenetics, Nutrition and the Development of Cancer

“…This makes the interpretation of histone modifications challenging. Commonly, histone methylation leads to a condensed chromatin structure and suppressed gene expression [ 51 ]. Just as lysine and arginine residues on histones can be methylated, lysine can also be acetylated.…”

“…Just as lysine and arginine residues on histones can be methylated, lysine can also be acetylated. Histone acetylation usually leads to an open chromatin structure promoting gene expression [ 51 ]. Histone acetyl transferases are responsible for acetylation, and histone deactylases (HDACs) are responsible for the removal of acetyl groups.…”