Diet, Nutritional Status, and Their Interaction with Genetics/Epigenetics in Different Stages of Carcinogenesis

Carcinogenesis is a multifactorial process that involves genetic and epigenetic changes, as well as environmental and lifestyle factors such as diet and nutritional status. A growing body of evidence suggests that the interaction between genetic/epigenetic factors and dietary components may play a crucial role in the different stages of carcinogenesis, from initiation, promotion, to progression. Studies have shown that several nutritional compounds have epigenetic targets in cancer cells, and consuming dietary agents can potentially modify abnormal gene activation or silencing. These modifications are believed to be beneficial, and an 'epigenetic diet' incorporating bioactive components may be adopted for medicinal or chemopreventive purposes. For example, green tea polyphenols have shown inhibitory effects on tumor invasion and angiogenesis in a mouse model of skin cancer. Epigallocatechin gallate, a major polyphenol in green tea, has been found to exert epigenetic effects in both humans and cancer cell lines, through demethylation or suppression of methylation in TSG promoters. However, there remain many aspects of the impact of the interaction between nutrition and genetics on cancer that have yet to be fully elucidated. For example, while there is evidence to suggest a potential interaction between vitamin D levels and epigenetic modification that could affect the development of breast cancer, the relationship between epigenetic modifications and the impact of vitamin D on cancer risk and development is intricate and still largely unexplored. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of diet and nutrition on cancer development is of great importance for developing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.

The goal of this Research Topic is to provide a platform for researchers to present the latest findings on the role of diet, nutritional status, and their interaction with genetics/epigenetics in different stages of carcinogenesis. The Research Topic aims to explore the current knowledge gaps and propose new research directions that can improve our understanding of the complex relationship between diet, nutrition, genetics, and cancer.

We welcome contributions in the form of original research articles, reviews, and perspectives. We hope to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in this field and to stimulate further discussion and innovation in cancer prevention and treatment through nutrition and genetics/epigenetics.

The specific themes that we would like contributors to address in this Research Topic include:

· The role of dietary factors, including nutrients, bioactive compounds, and dietary patterns, in the different stages of carcinogenesis.

· The interaction between diet and genetic/epigenetic factors in cancer development, from initiation to progression.

· The molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of diet and nutrition on cancer development and progression.

· Strategies for cancer prevention and treatment through dietary modifications and nutritional interventions, including personalized nutrition and nutrigenomics approaches.

· Novel methodologies and approaches for studying the interplay between diet, nutrition, and genetics/epigenetics in cancer etiology and prevention.