Smoking affects gene expression, leading to the development of lung cancer and other diseases. Understanding the epigenetic signatures of smoking, especially across different racial and ethnic groups, could help predict the risk for smoking-related illnesses. A study by researchers at Keck School of Medicine analyzed 2,728 individuals from six racial and ethnic groups, identifying 408 DNA methylation markers related to smoking. The study is one of the largest multiethnic studies to date and provides insights into why some populations face higher lung cancer risks. Further research will focus on the connection between epigenetic changes, smoking, and lung cancer risk prediction.
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Large-scale study explores link between smoking and DNA changes across six racial and ethnic groups
