Smoking is a well-known risk factor for various health conditions, including lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanisms by which smoking affects gene expression, particularly across different racial and ethnic groups, have not been fully understood. A recent large-scale study conducted by researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of USC sheds light on the link between smoking and epigenetic changes, offering valuable insights into how smoking impacts health outcomes across diverse populations.
Epigenetics refers to the study of mechanisms that influence gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. DNA methylation, a specific type of epigenetic modification, can be affected by environmental factors such as smoking. By examining DNA methylation patterns associated with smoking, researchers can gain a better understanding of how smoking influences gene expression and contributes to disease development.
Led by Dr. Brian Huang, the research team analyzed data from 2,728 individuals representing six distinct racial and ethnic groups. Using a comprehensive approach, they investigated DNA methylation changes associated with smoking across the genome. Importantly, smoking dose was quantified using a biological measure of nicotine uptake, providing a more accurate assessment compared to self-reported smoking behavior.
The study identified 408 DNA methylation markers, known as CpG sites, that were significantly associated with smoking. Remarkably, 45 of these sites were newly discovered, underscoring the importance of utilizing precise measures of smoking dose. Two CpG sites showed differential effects of smoking based on race or ethnicity, highlighting the need to consider diverse populations in epigenetic studies.
The findings have important implications for understanding disparities in smoking-related diseases among different racial and ethnic groups. By elucidating the epigenetic mechanisms underlying smoking-induced changes in gene expression, researchers can better predict individuals' risk for smoking-related illnesses, including lung cancer. Moreover, the study lays the groundwork for the development of targeted interventions and treatments tailored to specific populations.
Building on their findings, the research team plans to investigate how epigenetic changes mediate the relationship between smoking and lung cancer risk. By conducting further studies on epigenetic biomarkers associated with smoking, such as cadmium levels, they aim to deepen our understanding of the complex interplay between environmental exposures, epigenetics, and disease susceptibility.
The study represents a significant step forward in elucidating the epigenetic effects of smoking across diverse racial and ethnic groups. By uncovering novel DNA methylation signatures associated with smoking, the research provides valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of smoking-related diseases. Ultimately, these findings pave the way for more personalized approaches to smoking cessation and disease prevention, with the potential to improve health outcomes for individuals worldwide.
Publish Time: 11:50
Publish Date: 2024-03-04
