Introduction: Epigenetics is defined as an inherited change in gene expression or chromosomal stability. Epigenetics, along with genetic mechanisms, is essential for the natural evolution and maintenance of gene expression patterns in mammals. Waddington Conrad introduced the term epigenetics in 1942s. Epigenetic changes can be caused by factors such as environmental factors, diet, medications, and smoking. Cancer is a disease caused by molecular changes with genetic or epigenetic origins. Activation of oncogenes or inactivation of tumor suppressor genes (TSGʼs) by mutations are among the major genetic changes involved in cancer. Epigenetic changes regulate hereditary changes in the development of human cancers. In epigenetic changes, abnormal patterns of DNA methylation, patterns of histone post-translational changes, and changes in chromatin composition and organization can be observed. This review discusses the concept of epigenetic changes in cancer and the use of this knowledge in the design of new treatments.
Methods: This study has performed by searching the “PubMed database” and “Google scholar” by different combinations of terms “epigenetic” and “cancer”. DNA methylation, histone modifications, nutrition, and their effects on cancer cells investigated.
Results: Epigenetic changes, unlike genetic changes, are dynamic and reversible. The reversible nature of epigenetic changes has led to the emergence of new epigenetic therapies. For example, different types of drugs have been developed that target DNA methyltransferases. The idea of using these drugs is to block the enzymes that control DNA methylation in cancer. On the other hand, in many cases, a range of foods may contain biologically active compounds that are effective in preventing cancer, and may also facilitate epigenetic changes. Therefore, food intake may help prevent cancer.
Conclusion: Due to the presence of several epigenetic disorders in many diseases, changes in the epigenome can be used to predict the risks of cancer, and epigenetic therapy seems to be a successful method for treating various malignancies.
Keywords: Cancer; DNA methylation; Epigenetics; Histone modifications; Nutrition.