Dietary nutrients involved in one-carbon metabolism and colorectal cancer risk

Colorectal cancer (CRC), a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract, poses a worldwide threat to human health. Methods: This study conducted a narrative literature review to assess and provide perspectives on the evolving understanding of dietary nutrients and one-carbon metabolism in the context of colorectal cancer. Certain nutrients can serve as precursor (methionine and serine) or cofactor (B vitamins) for one-carbon (1C) units, participating in 1C metabolism through a network of interrelated biochemical pathways that involve the transfer of 1C units. 1C metabolism, in turn, affects tumor cell fate through several mechanisms such as nucleotide synthesis, epigenetic modifications, redox homeostasis, and the interaction with gut microbiota, all of which are implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of CRC. A deeper understanding of the intricate relationships between the three offers new insights into the mechanism of 1C metabolism in the development of CRC, the role of diet in modulating one-carbon metabolism and potential therapeutic interventions for cancer.