Research from Weill Cornell Medicine reveals a significant connection between folate deficiency and genetic changes that may promote lung cancer. Scientists have long understood that genetic alterations drive cancer development, yet less attention has been given to the role of essential nutrients, such as folate. This new study suggests that a lack of this B vitamin could be a critical factor in lung cancer progression.
John Blenis, a professor of pharmacology at Weill Cornell Medicine, emphasizes that while research has primarily focused on known carcinogens like tobacco smoke and radiation, the impact of metabolism and nutrition remains largely unexamined. His lab, alongside researcher Guillermo Burgos Barragan, has found that low levels of folate can induce specific genetic changes associated with various human cancers, particularly lung tumors.
Lung cancer stands as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, responsible for approximately 20% of all cancer fatalities. While smoking is recognized as the primary risk factor, a puzzling question persists: why do some non-smokers develop lung cancer, while some smokers do not? The findings from Blenis and Burgos Barragan may provide part of the answer.
In their experiments, mice fed a folate-deficient diet exhibited more aggressive lung tumors that spread rapidly, resulting in lower survival rates compared to those on a standard diet. This evidence underscores the potential role of dietary folate as a critical modulator of lung cancer progression, influencing both how the disease metastasizes and patient outcomes.
“This is more than just a correlation,” stated Blenis. “We have defined a novel mechanism that outlines how genetic changes occur on a molecular level. Understanding this underlying biology may lead to new drugs and biomarkers for certain cancers.” The research establishes a vital link between nutrition and genetic alterations associated with cancer, suggesting that dietary strategies could be another avenue for prevention and treatment.
The implications of this study extend beyond lung cancer. It opens the door for further exploration of how folate and other nutrients might influence genetic changes across various types of cancer. The researchers aim to investigate how dietary imbalances—resulting from lifestyle choices, genetic predispositions, medications, or localized nutrient deficiencies—could impact cancer risk.
While the findings are promising, Blenis and Burgos Barragan emphasize that further research is necessary before any practical applications can be realized. Their work may reshape the scientific community’s understanding of lung cancer and other malignancies related to metabolism.
“This is only the beginning,” said Burgos Barragan. “We are exploring how folate and other nutrients might cause or prevent genetic changes across different cancer types. Ultimately, we hope to find ways of preventing the initiation of cancer or halting its progression.”
This research, still in its early phases, could pave the way for innovative approaches in cancer prevention, heralding a new understanding of the profound impact that nutrition has on health and disease.
