Measuring the exposome: A powerful basis for evaluating environmental exposures and cancer risk

Wild, CP; Scalbert, A; Herceg, Z

HERO ID

2064161

Reference Type

Journal Article

Subtype

Review

Year

2013

Language

English

PMID

23681765

HERO ID 2064161
Material Type Review
In Press No
Year 2013
Title Measuring the exposome: A powerful basis for evaluating environmental exposures and cancer risk
Authors Wild, CP; Scalbert, A; Herceg, Z
Journal Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis
Volume 54
Issue 7
Page Numbers 480-499
Abstract Advances in laboratory sciences offer much in the challenge to unravel the complex etiology of cancer and to therefore provide an evidence-base for prevention. One area where improved measurements are particularly important to epidemiology is exposure assessment; this requirement has been highlighted through the concept of the exposome. In addition, the ability to observe genetic and epigenetic alterations in individuals exposed to putative risk factors also affords an opportunity to elucidate underlying mechanisms of carcinogenesis, which in turn may allow earlier detection and more refined molecular classification of disease. In this context the application of omics technologies to large population-based studies and their associated biobanks raise exciting new avenues of research. This review considers the areas of genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics and metabolomics and the evidence to date that people exposed to well-defined factors (for example, tobacco, diet, occupational exposures, environmental pollutants) have specific omics profiles. Although in their early stages of development these approaches show promising evidence of distinct exposure-derived biological effects and indicate molecular pathways that may be particularly relevant to the carcinogenic process subsequent to environmental and lifestyle exposures. Such an interdisciplinary approach is vital if the full benefits of advances in laboratory sciences and investments in large-scale prospective cohort studies are to be realized in relation to cancer prevention.
Doi 10.1002/em.21777
Pmid 23681765
Wosid WOS:000323124300004
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword exposure assessment; omics; transcriptomics; epigenomics; metabolomics