An article published in the journal Science, in collaboration with Dr. Manel Esteller, Director of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC-CERCA) and Dr. Lucas Pontel, Ramon y Cajal Fellow at the same institute, reveals the significant influence of formaldehyde on normal epigenetic patterns. Led by Dr. Christopher J. Chang from the University of California Berkeley, the study highlights the potential dangers of formaldehyde exposure and its impact on the body's metabolism.

Formaldehyde, a common substance found in household and cosmetic products, polluted air, and construction materials, has long been associated with various health risks, including an increased likelihood of developing cancer, such as nasopharyngeal tumors and leukemia, hepatic degeneration (steatosis), and asthma. Dr. Esteller emphasizes that formaldehyde enters the body primarily through breathing and can easily dissolve in water, consequently affecting all cells.

Dr. Pontel expands on this view, noting that formaldehyde is not only an environmental hazard but can also be generated internally through the metabolism of common substances like the sweetener aspartame. Moreover, cells continuously produce formaldehyde, a known mutagen that can contribute to the development of cancer.

The research conducted by Dr. Esteller's team and Dr. Chang's group uncovers a crucial finding - formaldehyde acts as an inhibitor of the MAT1A protein, which is responsible for producing S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAM). SAM, in turn, serves as the universal donor of the methyl chemical group, vital for regulating epigenetic activity. The study reveals that exposure to formaldehyde leads to a decrease in SAM content and results in the loss of methylation in histones. Histones are proteins that play a critical role in packaging DNA and controlling the function of thousands of genes.

These findings shed light on the detrimental effects of formaldehyde exposure and provide valuable insights into the disruption of epigenetic patterns. With this knowledge, researchers hope to develop strategies to mitigate the impact of formaldehyde on human health. The study underscores the importance of understanding the potential risks associated with common chemicals and emphasizes the need for further investigation into their impact on epigenetic regulation.

While formaldehyde remains prevalent in our everyday lives, it is crucial to maintain awareness of its effects and take necessary precautions to minimize exposure. The scientific community can use these findings as a catalyst for new research and innovation in the field of epigenetics, potentially leading to improved methods for preventing and treating diseases influenced by epigenetic modifications.