Remodeling the Epigenetic Landscape of Cancer—Application Potential of Flavonoids in the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer

Frontiers in Oncology

Wenfeng Zhang¹  Cun Liu²  Weiyi Jiang²  Jie Li²  Tingting Xia²  Changgang Sun⁴ 

[1] Clinical Medical Colleges, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China;College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China;Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China;Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, China;

关键词: flavonoids;    natural compounds;    phytochemicals;    epigenetic;    epigenome;    cancer;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fonc.2021.705903

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Epigenetics, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and noncoding RNA regulation, are physiological regulatory changes that affect gene expression without modifying the DNA sequence. Although epigenetic disorders are considered a sign of cell carcinogenesis and malignant events that affect tumor progression and drug resistance, in view of the reversible nature of epigenetic modifications, clinicians believe that associated mechanisms can be a key target for cancer prevention and treatment. In contrast, epidemiological and preclinical studies indicated that the epigenome is constantly reprogrammed by intake of natural organic compounds and the environment, suggesting the possibility of utilizing natural compounds to influence epigenetics in cancer therapy. Flavonoids, although not synthesized in the human body, can be consumed daily and are common in medicinal plants, vegetables, fruits, and tea. Recently, numerous reports provided evidence for the regulation of cancer epigenetics by flavonoids. Considering their origin in natural and food sources, few side effects, and remarkable biological activity, the epigenetic antitumor effects of flavonoids warrant further investigation. In this article, we summarized and analyzed the multi-dimensional epigenetic effects of all 6 subtypes of flavonoids (including flavonols, flavones, isoflavones, flavanones, flavanols, and anthocyanidin) in different cancer types. Additionally, our report also provides new insights and a promising direction for future research and development of flavonoids in tumor prevention and treatment via epigenetic modification, in order to realize their potential as cancer therapeutic agents.

【 授权许可】

Unknown