Genomic and Bioinformatics Approaches for Analysis of Genes Associated With Cancer Risks Following Exposure to Tobacco Smoking

Mohammed A. I. Al-Obaide, Buthainah A. Ibrahim, Saif Al-Humaish, Abdel-Salam G. Abdel-Salam

Cancer is a significant health problem in the Middle East and global population. It is well established that there is a direct link between tobacco smoking and cancer, which will continue to pose a significant threat to human health. The impact of long-term exposure to tobacco smoke on the risk of cancer encouraged the study of biomarkers for vulnerable individuals to tobacco smoking, especially children, who are more susceptible than adults to the action of environmental carcinogens. The carcinogens in tobacco smoke condensate induce DNA damage and play a significant role in determining the health and well-being of smokers, non-smoker, and primarily children. Cancer is a result of genomic and epigenomic malfunctions that lead to an initial premalignant condition. Although premalignancy genetic cascade is a much-delayed process, it will end with adverse health consequences. In addition to the DNA damage and mutations, tobacco smoke can cause changes in the DNA methylation and gene expression associated with cancer. The genetic events hint on the possible use of genomic-epigenomic changes in genes related to cancer, in predicting cancer risks associated with exposure to tobacco smoking. Bioinformatics provides indispensable tools to identify the cascade of expressed genes in active smokers and non-smokers and could assist the development of a framework to manage this cascade of events linked with the evolvement of disease including cancer. The aim of this mini review is to cognize the essential genomic processes and health risks associated with tobacco smoking and the implications of bioinformatics in cancer prediction, prevention, and intervention.