Epigenetic regulation of miRNA‐cancer stem cells nexus by nutraceuticals

Abstract

Nutraceuticals, the bioactive food components represented by many naturally occurring dietary compounds, have been investigated for a few decades for their numerous beneficial effects, including their anticancer properties. The initial interest in the cancer-preventing/therapeutic ability of these agents was based on their ability to affect multiple signaling pathways that are deregulated in cancer cells. With a shift in the focus of cancer research to the emerging areas such as epigenetic regulation, microRNAs (miRNAs) and the cancer stem cells (CSCs), nutraceuticals initially appeared out of place. However, research investigations over the last several years have slowly but firmly presented evidence that supports a relevance of these agents in modern day research. While nutraceuticals are increasingly being realized to alter miRNA/CSCs expression and function, the molecular mechanism(s) are not very clearly understood. Epigenetic regulation is one mechanism by which these agents exert their anticancer effects. In this focused mini review, we summarize our current understanding of epigenetic regulation of miRNAs and CSCs by nutraceuticals. We discuss both direct and indirect evidences that support such an activity of these compounds.

Hydroxytyrosol Induces Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest and Suppresses Multiple Oncogenic Signaling Pathways in Prostate Cancer Cells

“…The delicate balance between oncogenes and tumor suppressors is fine-tuned through epigenetic regulations. A number of dietary agents have been shown to regulate such epigenetic events (37). A recent work (13) reported on such activity of HT.…”

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“…We have also seen an increasing number of papers that describe the epigenetic regulation of gene expression by dietary components. For example, a review by Ahmad et al [4] provides an overview of dietary substances, such as curcumin, sulforaphane, isoflavones, 3,3 -diindolylmethane, grape seed polyphenols, all available in dietary supplement form, as epigenetic modulators of miRNAs and cancer stem cells, an emerging field in cancer chemoprevention. Another emerging area of nutrition research is the impact of dietary components, either as part of the diet or dietary supplements, on the gut microbiome.…”

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