Epigenetics in metal carcinogenesis: nickel, arsenic, chromium and cadmium

文献情報

出版日 2009-04-09

DOI 10.1039/B903049B

インパクトファクター 0

著者

Adriana Arita, Max Costa

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要旨

Although carcinogenic metals have been known to disrupt a wide range of cellular processes the precise mechanism by which they exert their carcinogenic effects is not known. Over the last decade or two, studies in the field of metal carcinogenesis suggest that epigenetic mechanisms may play a role in metal-induced carcinogenesis. In this review we summarize the evidence demonstrating that exposure to carcinogenic metals such as nickel, arsenic, chromium, and cadmium can perturb DNA methylation levels as well as global and gene specific histone tail posttranslational modification marks. We also wish to emphasize the importance of understanding that gene expression can be regulated by both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms and both these must be considered when studying the mechanism underlying the toxicity and cell transforming ability of carcinogenic metals and other toxicants, as well as aberrant changes in gene expression that occur during disease states such as cancer.

掲載誌

Metallomics

CiteScore: 7

自己引用率: 6.9%

年間論文数: 77

Metallomics publishes cutting-edge investigations aimed at elucidating the identification, distribution, dynamics, role and impact of metals and metalloids in biological systems. Studies that address the “what, where, when, how and why” of these inorganic elements in cells, tissues, organisms, and various environmental niches are welcome, especially those employing multidisciplinary approaches drawn from the analytical, bioinorganic, medicinal, environmental, biophysical, cell biology, plant biology and chemical biology communities. We are particularly interested in articles that enhance our chemical and/or physical understanding of the molecular mechanisms of metal-dependent life processes, and those that probe the common space between metallomics and other ‘omics approaches to uncover new insights into biological processes. Metallomics seeks to position itself at the forefront of those advances in analytical chemistry destined to clarify the enormous complexity of biological systems. As such, we particularly welcome those papers that outline cutting-edge analytical technologies, e.g., in the development and application of powerful new imaging, spectroscopic and mass spectrometric modalities. Work that describes new insights into metal speciation, trafficking and dynamics in complex systems or as a function of microenvironment are also strongly encouraged. Studies that examine the interconnectivity of metal-dependent processes with systems level responses relevant to organismal health or disease are also strongly encouraged, for example those that probe the effect of chemical exposure on metal homeostasis or the impact of metal-based drugs on cellular processes.