Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics

Biography

Biography: Mukesh Verma

Abstract

Several approaches are applied to identify risk of developing cancer in diff erent ethnic and racial groups. One of the approaches is epigenetics that facilitates cancer control throughout the cancer core continuum. To understand current progress and trends in the inclusion of epigenetics in cancer epidemiology, we evaluated the published literature and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) supported research grant awards in this fi eld to identify trends in epigenetics research. We present a summary of the epidemiological studies in NCI’s grant portfolio (from January 2005 through December 2012) and in the scientifi c literature published during the same period, irrespective of support from NCI. NCI supported RPGs related to epigenetic epidemiology funded from January 01, 2005 to December 31, 2012 were included in the portfolio analysis. Th e portfolio was analyzed using NCI’s Portfolio Management Application soft ware version 13.4. Th e criteria for inclusion of a project in the analysis were as follows: (1) Th e focus of the project is cancer, (2) study involves human subjects, (3) focus of at least one of the specifi c aims in the project is cancer epigenetics, and (4) has at least 100 cases and 100 controls. Th e initial analysis identifi ed 84 RPGs. A manual analysis applying the above criteria eliminated 21 RPGs leaving 63 for further analysis. Biomarkers identifi ed in the analysis might be useful in risk prediction of diff erent cancers. Breast cancer was the most frequently studied cancer type in grants and publications. Blood cells and tumor tissue were the most commonly used biospecimens in these studies, although buccal cells, cervical cells, sputum and stool samples also were used. DNA methylation profi ling was the focus of the majority of studies, but several studies also measured microRNA profi les. We illustrate here the current status of epidemiologic studies that are evaluating epigenetic changes in large populations. Some research needs include developing improved strategies for epigenetic data analysis and interpretation; determining the stability of epigenetic marks in repeated biospecimen samples from the same people over time and studies that examine the relationship between epigenetic marks in germline DNA and tumor DNA. While there are limitations to the broad application of epigenomics to epidemiology research, there are situations where this type of research is appropriate and it should be considered.