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Roadmap for investigating epigenome deregulation and environmental origins of cancer
Author(s) -
Herceg Zdenko,
Ghantous Akram,
Wild Christopher P.,
Sklias Athena,
Casati Lavinia,
Duthie Susan J.,
Fry Rebecca,
Issa JeanPierre,
Kellermayer Richard,
Koturbash Igor,
Kondo Yukata,
Lepeule Johanna,
Lima Sheila C.S.,
Marsit Carmen J,
Rakyan Vardhman,
Saffery Richard,
Taylor Jack A.,
Teschendorff Andrew E.,
Ushijima Toshikazu,
Vineis Paolo,
Walker Cheryl Lyn,
Waterland Robert A.,
Wiemels Joe,
Ambatipudi Srikant,
Degli Esposti Davide,
HernandezVargas Hector
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
international journal of cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.475
H-Index - 234
eISSN - 1097-0215
pISSN - 0020-7136
DOI - 10.1002/ijc.31014
Subject(s) - epigenome , exposome , epigenetics , epigenomics , biology , cancer , epigenesis , carcinogenesis , genetics , bioinformatics , computational biology , dna methylation , gene , gene expression
The interaction between the (epi)genetic makeup of an individual and his/her environmental exposure record (exposome) is accepted as a determinant factor for a significant proportion of human malignancies. Recent evidence has highlighted the key role of epigenetic mechanisms in mediating gene–environment interactions and translating exposures into tumorigenesis. There is also growing evidence that epigenetic changes may be risk factor‐specific (“fingerprints”) that should prove instrumental in the discovery of new biomarkers in cancer. Here, we review the state of the science of epigenetics associated with environmental stimuli and cancer risk, highlighting key developments in the field. Critical knowledge gaps and research needs are discussed and advances in epigenomics that may help in understanding the functional relevance of epigenetic alterations. Key elements required for causality inferences linking epigenetic changes to exposure and cancer are discussed and how these alterations can be incorporated in carcinogen evaluation and in understanding mechanisms underlying epigenome deregulation by the environment.