Over the past few years, evidence has accumulated indicating that apart from genetic alterations, epigenetic alterations, through e.g. aberrant promoter methylation, play a major role in the initiation and progression...Over the past few years, evidence has accumulated indicating that apart from genetic alterations, epigenetic alterations, through e.g. aberrant promoter methylation, play a major role in the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Even in the hereditary colon cancer syndromes, in which the susceptibility is inherited dominantly, cancer develops only as the result of the progressive accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations. Diet can both prevent and induce colon carcinogenesis, for instance, through epigenetic changes, which regulate the homeostasis of the intestinal mucosa. Food-derived compounds are constantly present in the intestine and may shift cellular balance toward harmful outcomes, such as increased susceptibility to mutations. There is strong evidence that a major component of cancer risk may involve epigenetic changes in normal cells that increase the probability of cancer after genetic mutation. The recognition of epigenetic changes as a driving force in colorectal neoplasia would open new areas of research in disease epidemiology, risk assessment, and treatment, especially in mutation carriers who already have an inherited predisposition to cancer.展开更多
Lignin, a phenolic polymer abundant in cell walls of certain cell types, has given challenges to scientists studying its structure or biosynthesis. In plants lignified tissues are distributed between other, non-lignif...Lignin, a phenolic polymer abundant in cell walls of certain cell types, has given challenges to scientists studying its structure or biosynthesis. In plants lignified tissues are distributed between other, non-lignified tissues, Characterization of native lignin in the cell wall has been difficult due to the highly cross-linked nature of the wall components. Model systems, like plant tissue cultures with tracheary element differentiation or extracellular lignin formation, have provided useful information related to lignin structure and several aspects of lignin formation. For example, many enzyme activities in the phenylpropanoid pathway have been first identified in tissue cultures. This review focuses on studies where the use of plant tissue cultures has been advantageous in structural and biosynthesis studies of lignin, and discusses the validity of tissue cultures as models for lignin biosynthesis.展开更多
基金Supported by Finnish Cancer Organisations,Biocentrum Helsinki,Finlandthe Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry,the Innovation in Food Programme of the National Technology Agency of Finland,and University of Helsinki,Finland
文摘Over the past few years, evidence has accumulated indicating that apart from genetic alterations, epigenetic alterations, through e.g. aberrant promoter methylation, play a major role in the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Even in the hereditary colon cancer syndromes, in which the susceptibility is inherited dominantly, cancer develops only as the result of the progressive accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations. Diet can both prevent and induce colon carcinogenesis, for instance, through epigenetic changes, which regulate the homeostasis of the intestinal mucosa. Food-derived compounds are constantly present in the intestine and may shift cellular balance toward harmful outcomes, such as increased susceptibility to mutations. There is strong evidence that a major component of cancer risk may involve epigenetic changes in normal cells that increase the probability of cancer after genetic mutation. The recognition of epigenetic changes as a driving force in colorectal neoplasia would open new areas of research in disease epidemiology, risk assessment, and treatment, especially in mutation carriers who already have an inherited predisposition to cancer.
基金Project supported by the Program for the New Century Excellent Talents in University of China (No.NCET-04-0953)the Fund of Author of Chinese Excellent Doctor Degree Dissertation (No.200254)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.30470040 and 30670372).
文摘Lignin, a phenolic polymer abundant in cell walls of certain cell types, has given challenges to scientists studying its structure or biosynthesis. In plants lignified tissues are distributed between other, non-lignified tissues, Characterization of native lignin in the cell wall has been difficult due to the highly cross-linked nature of the wall components. Model systems, like plant tissue cultures with tracheary element differentiation or extracellular lignin formation, have provided useful information related to lignin structure and several aspects of lignin formation. For example, many enzyme activities in the phenylpropanoid pathway have been first identified in tissue cultures. This review focuses on studies where the use of plant tissue cultures has been advantageous in structural and biosynthesis studies of lignin, and discusses the validity of tissue cultures as models for lignin biosynthesis.
