Recent research published in *Nature Cancer* has unveiled significant insights into the origins of cancer risk, suggesting that these risks may be established even before birth. The study identifies two distinct epigenetic states that emerge during development, each linked to varying cancer risks. One state correlates with a lower lifetime risk of cancer, while the other is associated with a higher risk. Notably, if cancer arises from the lower risk state, it is more likely to manifest as a liquid tumor, such as leukemia or lymphoma. Conversely, cancers originating from the higher risk state tend to be solid tumors, like lung or prostate cancer.
Dr. J. Andrew Pospisilik, chair of the Department of Epigenetics at Van Andel Institute and co-author of the study, emphasizes that the traditional understanding of cancer as primarily a genetic disease has overshadowed the role of developmental factors in shaping cancer risk. This research challenges the prevailing notion that cancer is merely a result of genetic mutations accumulated over time, highlighting the importance of epigenetic processes that influence gene expression during critical developmental periods.
Epigenetics refers to the mechanisms that regulate how and when genetic instructions are executed. Disruptions in these processes can compromise cellular quality control, allowing abnormal cells to thrive and proliferate. The study’s findings indicate that variations in the gene Trim28 lead to different epigenetic markings on cancer-related genes in otherwise identical mice, suggesting that these patterns are established early in development and play a crucial role in determining cancer risk.
Dr. Ilaria Panzeri, a research scientist involved in the study, points out that while everyone carries some level of cancer risk, attributing cancer development solely to “bad luck” is overly simplistic. Unlike luck, which cannot be modified, epigenetic factors can be targeted for potential treatments. This research opens new avenues for understanding cancer’s origins and could lead to innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
The implications of these findings are profound, as they suggest that the roots of cancer may be traced back to early developmental stages, potentially affecting a wide range of cancers. The research team plans to further investigate how these epigenetic states influence specific cancer types, paving the way for a deeper understanding of cancer biology and the development of targeted interventions.
