A Cross-Ethnic Study of Epigenetics and Gastric Cancer in KK

Significant racial disparities exist in gastric cancer incidence and mortality, with higher prevalence in East Asian and Latin American populations and poorer prognosis in African Americans. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, regulate gene expression without changing DNA sequences and may contribute to these racial differences in cancer development. However, the underlying epigenetic mechanisms across racial groups remain largely unexplored. This study analyzes epigenetic data from multi-ethnic cohorts using gastric cancer samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, investigating race-specific patterns of DNA methylation and other modifications in gastric cancer development and their impact on clinical-pathological characteristics and prognosis. The research demonstrates significant racial differences in gastric cancer incidence and mortality, with American gastric cancer (GC) prevalence varying by racial/ethnic group. This research provides the first cross - racial analysis of GC epigenetic profiles, offering insights for developing race - adaptive diagnostic biomarkers and precision treatment strategies to promote fairness and effectiveness in GC prevention and control.