Dr. Oze from Japan stays in SNU, Korea
A3 Foresight Program: Education Program for Young Researchers
Report of visit to Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University in Korea (Dec 1 - Dec 8, 2010)
Isao Oze (Division of Epidemiology and Prevention, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute)
Host researcher
Prof. Daehee Kang, M.D, Ph.D. (Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine)
Summary
As the education program for young researchers of A3 Foresight Program, I had one week visiting at Molecular and Genomic Epidemiology Laboratory (MGEL), Department of Preventive Medicine in Seoul National University (SNU) from Dec 1-8, 2010. During my stay, I planned a new study to investigate the association between DNA methylation and folate intake. I discussed scientific significance of the study topic with MGEL members. I really had a great experience for my future research. I deeply appreciate Prof. Kang, Dr. Li and other MGEL members for giving me this opportunity.
Contents
1. Association between folate and DNA methylation
1-1. Background
Aberrant DNA methylation plays an important role in carcinogenesis. Folate modulates DNA methylation because folate provides S-adenosylmethionine, the primary methyl group donor for most biological methylation reactions. Folate is usually evaluated by serum level or dietary intake. Folate intake is estimated by food frequency questionnaire, food record, dietary recall and so on. However, we don't know which is appropriate to evaluate the association with DNA methylation. We plan to review the correlation between dietary folate intake and blood folate level, as a first step to elucidate the association between folate and DNA methylation. We discussed the criteria of the papers and how to describe these data.
1-2. Methods
We review papers which showed the correlation between folate intake and blood folate level among those without gastrectomy. Data of blood homocysteine level, MTHFR genotype, and other factors which affect blood folate level should be collected if available. Meta-analysis of the correlation should be conducted if possible.
1-3. Future plan
After the review, we plan to conduct a cross-sectional study to investigate the association between DNA methylation, dietary folate intake and blood folate level using our peripheral blood DNA samples.
2. Methods to conduct epidemiological study
When we conduct case-control study, recruitment of the subjects and collection of their data and samples are important. We introduced each epidemiological study program for case-control study. Then, we discussed pros and cons for our programs.
3. Genome Epidemiology Symposium
I participated in the symposium "Methods in Genome Epidemiology" held in School of Public Health, SNU on Dec 2. After the symposium, we discussed our study about DNA methylation in peripheral blood. Dr. Yoon Hee Cho gave us much advice.
Acknowledgements and a photo
I thank Dr. Lian Li for her guidance in SNU and helping my stay in Korea, Dr. Hyuna Sung for teaching me how to manage case-control studies in MGEL, and all the MGEL members for their warm hospitality, respectively. I sincerely thank Prof. Daehee Kang for kindly acceptance and all arrangement about my visit to SNU.
