A revolutionary study by scientists at Van Andel Institute suggests that the risk of developing cancer may be influenced before birth. The research, published in Nature Cancer, uncovers two distinct epigenetic states. These states form early in development. They are tied to an individual’s lifetime cancer risk.
The study identifies two different epigenetic states established during early development. One state is linked to a lower cancer risk. The other state indicates a higher likelihood of developing cancer later in life. These states determine the type of cancer an individual is more likely to develop.
Those with the lower-risk epigenetic state are more likely to develop liquid tumors like leukemia or lymphoma. On the other hand, individuals with the higher-risk epigenetic state are more prone to solid tumors. These tumors include lung or prostate cancer.
A SHIFT IN UNDERSTANDING CANCER RISK
“Most cancers are considered diseases of mutation, occurring later in life. Our research changes that by showing how early development can influence cancer risk,” explained Dr. J. Andrew Pospisilik, chair of the Department of Epigenetics at Van Andel Institute and co-corresponding author of the study.
The discovery of these two epigenetic states opens a new avenue for research into the origins of cancer. This discovery could potentially transform how scientists understand and study the disease.
EPIGENETICS: A KEY FACTOR IN CANCER DEVELOPMENT
While cancer risk increases with age due to the accumulation of DNA damage, not all damaged cells become cancerous. Recent research has highlighted the role of epigenetics in cancer development. It suggests that epigenetic errors can allow damaged cells to survive and proliferate.
Epigenetics refers to processes that regulate gene activity without changing the underlying DNA sequence. These processes play a crucial role in determining when and how genes are activated. They also decide when genes are silenced. This impacts cellular health and quality control.
FINDINGS FROM THE VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE STUDY
In the study, the researchers focused on mice with reduced levels of the gene Trim28. Despite being genetically identical, these mice exhibited one of two distinct epigenetic patterns on cancer-related genes. These patterns, formed during development, determine whether the animal will fall into the lower or higher cancer risk category.
“Our study reveals that cancer risk isn’t just a matter of bad luck,” said Dr. Ilaria Panzeri, a research scientist in the Pospisilik Lab and the study’s first author. “While we often think of cancer as something that happens randomly, epigenetics can be targeted for treatment. This discovery shifts our understanding of cancer’s origins and provides a new perspective for diagnosis and therapy.”
EPIGENETIC RISK ACROSS DIFFERENT CANCERS
The study’s findings show that the two epigenetic states appear across various tissues in the body. This suggests that the developmental epigenetic risk may be common to different types of cancer. This revelation opens up the possibility of exploring how these states influence specific cancer types. It could lead to new approaches for early diagnosis. It may also contribute to new methods of treatment.
LOOKING AHEAD: NEW RESEARCH DIRECTIONS
The team plans to further investigate the effects of these epigenetic states on specific cancers. This investigation may potentially uncover targeted therapeutic strategies. It could also enhance early detection methods.
This groundbreaking research challenges conventional views of cancer, emphasizing the importance of early development in shaping cancer risk. By targeting epigenetic factors, scientists may develop new approaches to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer, offering hope for more effective interventions in the future.
