title: Targeting epigenetics for cancer prevention by dietary cancer preventive compounds--the case of miRNA.
abstract: In cancer, genetic mutations have long been considered to be the only driver of neoplasia. However, there is increasing evidence that epigenetic alterations could also play a major role in carcinogenesis and cancer. A number of experimental and epidemiologic studies have shown that many classes of dietary phytochemicals possess cancer-preventive and epigenetic-modifying properties. The report by Derry and colleagues in this issue of the journal shows that grape seed extract (GSE) prevents azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon colitis via epigenetic microRNA (miRNA) regulation. Although the precise mechanism underlying the control of miRNA expression is not well understood currently, epigenetic changes could play a major role. This report, along with increasing evidence showing the impact of dietary phytochemicals on epigenetic activities, offers new perspectives on miRNA and epigenetic regulation in cancer prevention.
authors.affiliation: Center for Cancer Prevention Research, Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA. KongT@pharmacy.rutgers.edu
authors.forename: Ah-Ng Tony
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Kong
authors.forename: Chengyue
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Zheng-Yuan
authors.initials: ZY
authors.lastname: Su
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001397:Azoxymethane / Q000633:toxicity*; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects*; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D056604:Grape Seed Extract / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D056604:Grape Seed Extract; D035683:MicroRNAs; D001397:Azoxymethane