Gene polymorphisms in one-carbon metabolism pathway and cancer susceptibility
1He Qiangqiang ，2Ding Chengzhi ，2Song Jingchao
1
Shenzhen International Graduate School Tsinghua University Shenzhen 518055 Guangdong China
2Department of Thoracic
Oncology Henan Provincial Chest Hospital Zhengzhou 450008 Henan China
Abstract The high incidence and mortality of cancer threaten human health and lifespan. One-carbon metabolism is one of the
important metabolic pathways involved in tumor pathogenesis. The effects of folate and homocysteine two key components of the
one-carbon metabolism pathway have attracted the attentions of a large number of studies. Meanwhile multiple functional gene
polymorphisms in the one-carbon metabolism pathway also play roles in carriers' susceptibility to cancers but this relationship is often
modified by many confounders including nutrients in the one-carbon metabolism pathway. In addition other studies proved these gene
polymorphisms are determinants of the sensitivity and toxicity to chemotherapy drugs thus genotype information may provide a basis for
the selection and dose setting of clinical chemotherapy drugs. Some studies have found that these functional gene polymorphisms have
potential value as prognostic predictors of cancer patients. In this review the research on these aspects is summarized. Nowadays
"precision medicine and personalized treatment" has become an important trend in medical development studies on functional gene
polymorphism in the one-carbon metabolism pathway may provide an opportunity with great scientific significance and potential value in
individualized tumor prevention and clinical treatment.
