Developmental Epigenetic Factors May Influence Cancer Risk Before Birth

Recent research from the Van Andel Institute has unveiled that the risk of developing cancer may begin before birth, challenging traditional understandings of cancer origins. This groundbreaking study, published in Nature Cancer, identifies two distinct epigenetic states that emerge during development, each associated with varying cancer risks.

According to the study, one epigenetic state correlates with a lower lifetime risk of cancer, while the other is linked to a significantly higher risk. When cancer arises from the lower-risk state, it is typically in the form of liquid tumors, such as leukemia or lymphoma. In contrast, cancers originating from the higher-risk state are more likely to manifest as solid tumors, including lung and prostate cancers.

The lead researcher emphasized that most cancer cases are commonly viewed as resulting from genetic mutations that accumulate over time. However, this research highlights the importance of understanding how developmental processes contribute to cancer risk. This revelation opens new avenues for research into the biological mechanisms underpinning cancer.

The study indicates that cancer risk generally increases with age due to the accumulation of DNA damage and other biological factors. However, not all abnormal cells become cancerous, suggesting that epigenetic factors also play a crucial role in cancer development.

Epigenetics refers to the mechanisms that regulate gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Disruptions in these processes can compromise cellular quality control, allowing dysfunctional cells to persist and proliferate. In this study, researchers observed that mice with diminished levels of the Trim28 gene exhibited one of two epigenetic patterns related to cancer-related genes, despite being genetically similar. These patterns are established during early development and dictate the associated cancer risk.

Researchers point out that while everyone carries some degree of cancer risk, attributing cancer merely to bad luck oversimplifies the issue. Unlike random chance, epigenetic factors can be targeted for potential treatments. This finding suggests that the origins of cancer may be rooted in early development, providing a fresh perspective on the disease and possible new strategies for diagnosis and treatment.

The study's findings hint at a broader implication, proposing that these developmental epigenetic states could be common across various cancer types. Future research aims to delve deeper into how these epigenetic states influence the development of specific cancers, potentially leading to more personalized approaches in cancer prevention and treatment.