One-carbon metabolism and breast cancer: an epidemiological perspective

Xinran Xu; Jia Chen

doi:10.1016/S1673-8527(08)60108-3

Volume 36 Issue 4

Apr. 2009

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Article Navigation > Journal of Genetics and Genomics > 2009 > 36(4): 203-214

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One-carbon metabolism and breast cancer: an epidemiological perspective

doi: 10.1016/S1673-8527(08)60108-3

Xinran Xu^a,
Jia Chen^{a, b, c}

a
Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
b
Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
c
Department of Oncological Science, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA

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Corresponding author: E-mail address: jia.chen@mssm.edu (Jia Chen)
Received Date: 2008-10-22
Accepted Date: 2009-01-08
Rev Recd Date: 2008-12-12

Available Online: 2009-04-17

Publish Date: 2009-04-20

Abstract

Abstract

One-carbon metabolism is a network of biological reactions that plays critical role in DNA methylation and DNA synthesis, and in turn, facilitates the cross-talk between genetic and epigenetic processes. Genetic polymorphisms and supplies of cofactors (e.g. folate, vitamins B) involved in this pathway have been shown to influence cancer risk and even survival. In this review, we summarized the epidemiological evidence for one-carbon metabolism, from both genetics and lifestyle aspects, in relation to breast cancer risk. We also discussed this pathway in relation to breast cancer survival and the modulation of one-carbon polymorphism in chemotherapy. Emerging evidence on modulation of DNA methylation by one-carbon metabolism suggests that disruption of epigenome might have been the underlying mechanism. More results are expected and will be translated to guidance to the general population for disease prevention as well as to clinicians for treatment and management of the disease.
- one-carbon,
- breast cancer,
- folate,
- genetic polymorphism,
- DNA methylation,
- epidemiology

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References(87)

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