Epigenetic Regulation by Sulforaphane: Opportunities for Breast and Prostate Cancer Chemoprevention

Lauren L. Atwell, Laura M. Beaver, Jackilen Shannon, David E. Williams, Roderick H. Dashwood, Emily Ho

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

49 Scopus citations

Abstract

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a phytochemical derived from cruciferous vegetables that has multiple molecular targets and anti-cancer properties. Researchers have demonstrated several chemopreventive benefits of SFN consumption, such as reductions in tumor growth, increases in cancer cell apoptosis, and disruption of signaling within tumor microenvironments both in vitro and in vivo. Emerging evidence indicates that SFN exerts several of its chemopreventive effects by altering epigenetic mechanisms. This review summarizes evidence of the impact of SFN on epigenetic events and how they relate to the chemopreventive effects of SFN observed in preclinical and clinical studies of breast and prostate cancers. Specific areas of focus include the role of SFN in the regulation of cell cycle, apoptosis, inflammation, antioxidant defense, and cancer cell signaling and their relationships to epigenetic mechanisms. Finally, remaining challenges and research needs for translating mechanistic work with SFN into human studies and clinical intervention trials are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)102-111
Number of pages10
JournalCurrent Pharmacology Reports
Volume1
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2015

Keywords

  • Breast
  • Cancer
  • Chemoprevention
  • Epigenetics
  • Prostate
  • Sulforaphane

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Genetics
  • Pharmacology
  • Drug Discovery

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