Study Links Dietary Fiber to Gene Regulation and Reduced Cancer Risk

Research reveals how gut bacteria transform fiber into compounds that directly influence gene activity, offering potential anti-cancer effects.

Stanford researchers found that short-chain fatty acids, produced by gut bacteria digesting fiber, directly modify gene expression.
These fatty acids, propionate and butyrate, attach to histone proteins, altering DNA organization and impacting cell growth and differentiation.
In colorectal cancer cells, these modifications disrupted abnormal gene activation, potentially explaining fiber's protective role against the disease.
Mouse studies confirmed that fiber-rich diets lead to similar gene regulation changes, highlighting fiber's systemic health benefits.
With less than 10% of Americans meeting daily fiber intake guidelines, the findings emphasize the importance of fiber-rich diets for cancer prevention.