Today, at the annual research conference of the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), a panel of leading scientists presented promising research involving the new science of epigenetics and cancer development.

Epigenetics refers to any alterations in how our genes get translated (or expressed) that do not involve direct changes to the DNA itself. In recent years, scientists have discovered that environmental factors, such as the foods we eat, can spur epigenetic changes. In effect, diet can activate or silence the expression of genes that play a role in the development and progression of cancer.

AICR's 2007 expert report found that diets containing certain foods can either increase or decrease the risk of cancer. The science of epigenetics may help explain why.

The opening session of AICR's conference, Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer, held in Washington, DC, focused on the emerging research relating to diet, epigenetics, and cancer.

Genes, Diet and Skin Cancer

Richard L. Eckert, PhD,
chair of the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, chaired the session. He also presented his lab's research showing that the major compound in green tea led to epigenetic changes that effects the expression of a group of genes involved in skin cancer. The findings suggest that dietary compounds can help prevent cancer by influencing how genes work, said Dr. Eckert.

Inheriting Epigenetic Changes

David IK Martin, MD
, a scientist at the Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute in Oakland, Calif., presented research on passing down epigenetic changes from parent to progeny. Dr. Martin's mice studies have demonstrated that a mother's diet during pregnancy shifted the expression of cancer-related genes in her grandchildren. He presented research on the questions and possible mechanisms involved with retaining epigenetic changes over generations.

Foods Reversing Epigenetic Cancer Cell Growth

The growth of cancer is linked with a group of proteins in the body that epigenetically silences genes relating to natural, programmed cell death. Roderick H. Dashwood, PhD, a researcher at the Linus Pauling Institute in Oregon, presented evidence showing how natural compounds found in foods such as broccoli and garlic can interfere with the actions of this protein group and restore natural cell death. He discussed his lab studies showing how these dietary compounds suppressed tumors and inhibited the group of protein's activity.

Behind a Vitamin's Epigenetic Effects

From the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Janos Zempleni, PhD, Associate Professor of Molecular Nutrition, explained his research demonstrating one way in which a B vitamin can lead to epigenetic changes. In both human and mouse cell studies, the vitamin biotin affected the actions of moveable chunks of DNA, which make up about half of the human genome. Because these moveable sequences of DNA relate to increased disease risk, said Dr. Zempleni, understanding how diet has an epigenetic effect on the DNA can reduce cancer risk.

Epigenetic Changes and Folate

Scientists have long known that folate and folic acid, the synthetic form of the B vitamin folate, produce epigenetic changes. Young-In Kim, MD, a researcher at the University of Toronto in Ontario and a leading expert on the topic, presented the latest findings on what is known about how and when folate alters DNA. When and for how long people take folic acid appears to play a key role in the epigenetic effects of the B vitamin, said Dr. Kim.

The ongoing research in how diet leads to epigenetic changes that effects cancer development is promising. Until more is known, AICR stresses its key recommendation to seek cancer protection from a healthful diet high in a variety of plant foods.

The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is the cancer charity that fosters research on the relationship of nutrition, physical activity and weight management to cancer risk, interprets the scientific literature and educates the public about the results. It has contributed more than $86 million for innovative research conducted at universities, hospitals and research centers across the country. AICR has published two landmark reports that interpret the accumulated research in the field, and is committed to a process of continuous review. AICR also provides a wide range of educational programs to help millions of Americans learn to make dietary changes for lower cancer risk. Its award-winning New American Plate program is presented in brochures, seminars and on its website, http://www.aicr.org. AICR is a member of the World Cancer Research Fund International.

American Institute for Cancer Research