Cytokine Research Laboratory, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
Genes Nutr. 2011 May;6(2):93-108. doi: 10.1007/s12263-011-0222-1. Epub 2011 Apr 24.
Epigenetic regulation, which includes changes in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and alteration in microRNA (miRNA) expression without any change in the DNA sequence, constitutes an important mechanism by which dietary components can selectively activate or inactivate gene expression. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a component of the golden spice Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, has recently been determined to induce epigenetic changes. This review summarizes current knowledge about the effect of curcumin on the regulation of histone deacetylases, histone acetyltransferases, DNA methyltransferase I, and miRNAs. How these changes lead to modulation of gene expression is also discussed. We also discuss other nutraceuticals which exhibit similar properties. The development of curcumin for clinical use as a regulator of epigenetic changes, however, needs further investigation to determine novel and effective chemopreventive strategies, either alone or in combination with other anticancer agents, for improving cancer treatment.
表观遗传调控，包括 DNA 甲基化、组蛋白修饰和 microRNA（miRNA）表达的改变，而不改变 DNA 序列，是膳食成分能够选择性地激活或失活基因表达的重要机制。姜黄素（二芳基甲烷），是金黄色香料姜黄（俗称 turmeric）的成分之一，最近被确定能诱导表观遗传变化。这篇综述总结了目前关于姜黄素对组蛋白去乙酰化酶、组蛋白乙酰转移酶、DNA 甲基转移酶 I 和 miRNA 调节作用的知识。还讨论了这些变化如何导致基因表达的调节。我们还讨论了其他具有类似特性的营养保健品。然而，为了确定新的有效的化学预防策略，需要进一步研究姜黄素作为表观遗传变化调节剂的临床应用，无论是单独使用还是与其他抗癌药物联合使用，以改善癌症治疗。
