Lunasin and Its Epigenetic Impact in Cancer Chemoprevention

Cancer diseases are a leading cause of death worldwide. Therefore, it is pivotal to search for bioactive dietary compounds that can avert tumor development. A diet rich in vegetables, including legumes, provides chemopreventive substances, which have the potential to prevent many diseases, including cancer. Lunasin is a soy-derived peptide whose anti-cancer activity has been studied for over 20 years. The results of the previous research have shown that lunasin inhibits histone acetylation, regulates the cell cycle, suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis of cancer cells. Thus, lunasin seems to be a promising bioactive anti-cancer agent and a potent epigenetic modulator. The present review discusses studies of the underlying molecular mechanisms and new perspectives on lunasin application in epigenetic prevention and anti-cancer therapy.

Automated summary

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and the search for bioactive dietary compounds to prevent tumor development is crucial. Lunasin, a soy-derived peptide, has been studied for its anti-cancer activity for over 20 years. Previous research has shown that lunasin inhibits histone acetylation, regulates the cell cycle, suppresses proliferation, and induces apoptosis of cancer cells. It is considered a promising bioactive anti-cancer agent and a potent epigenetic modulator. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms and new perspectives on the application of lunasin in epigenetic prevention and anti-cancer therapy.