Dietary Influences on Reversal of Changes in DNA Methylation and Expression of Protooncogenes and Suppressor Genes Induced by Short Term Lipotrope Deficiency (1994)

Title:

Dietary Influences on Reversal of Changes in DNA Methylation and Expression of Protooncogenes and Suppressor Genes Induced by Short Term Lipotrope Deficiency

Key words:

vitamin B12, folic acid, choline, methionine

Research Institution:

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Location:

Nebraska

Researcher:

Judith K Christman

Project Description:

Dr. Christman continued her investigations of dietary lipotropes (vitamin B12, folic acid, choline and methionine) in cancer. She has shown that a deficiency of these compounds interferes with the normal transfer of methyl groups to the genetic material (DNA) of cells. By studying this phenomena in genes that are important regulators of growth and cell differentiation, she sought to provide insight into mechanisms by which dietary factors can enhance their susceptibility or resistance to carcinogenic stimuli, e.g. environmental carcinogens.