Van Andel Institute Study Reveals Birth-Linked Cancer Risk

A groundbreaking study by Van Andel Institute (VAI) scientists challenges traditional cancer risk theories, suggesting that a person’s predisposition to cancer may be determined before birth. Published in Nature Cancer, the research identifies two distinct epigenetic states during development, one associated with a lower cancer risk and the other with a higher risk.

Two Epigenetic States Identified

The study found that if cancer develops in the lower-risk state, it is more likely to be a liquid tumor, such as leukemia or lymphoma. Conversely, cancer developing in the higher-risk state is more likely to be a solid tumor, like lung or prostate cancer.

“Because most cancers occur later in life and are understood as diseases of mutation or genetics, there hasn’t been a deep focus on how development might shape cancer risk. Our findings change that. Our identification of these two epigenetically different states open the door to an entirely new world of study into the underpinnings of cancer.”

J. Andrew Pospisilik, Ph.D., chair of VAI’s Department of Epigenetics and co-corresponding author of the study

Developmental Contribution to Cancer Risk

Cancer risk increases with age due to DNA damage and other factors. However, not all abnormal cells become cancerous. Recent research has highlighted the role of epigenetics—processes that influence gene expression—in cancer development.

“Everyone has some level of risk, but when cancer does arise, we tend to think of it just as bad luck,” explained Ilaria Panzeri, Ph.D., a research scientist in the Pospisilik Lab and the study’s first and co-corresponding author. “However, bad luck doesn’t fully explain why some people develop cancer and others don’t. Most importantly, bad luck cannot be targeted for treatment. Epigenetics, on the other hand, can be targeted. Our findings show that cancer’s roots may start during the sensitive period of development, offering a new perspective to study the disease and potential new options for diagnosis and treatment.”

Implications for Future Research

The research team detected evidence of these two epigenetic states across various tissues, suggesting that developmental epigenetic risk might be a common factor across different types of cancer. Future studies will explore the effects of these states in individual cancer types.

The Role of Epigenetics in Cancer

Epigenetics refers to changes in gene activity that do not involve alterations to the DNA sequence. These modifications can influence how genes are read and used by the body. Disruptions in epigenetics can lead to cellular dysfunction and cancer.

Conclusion

The findings from Van Andel Institute’s study provide a paradigm shift in understanding cancer risk. By linking cancer predisposition to developmental epigenetic states, researchers open new avenues for studying and potentially treating the disease.

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