In this study we examine the effect of the phytoestrogen genistein on DNA methylation. DNA
methylation is thought to inhibit transcription of genes by regulating alterations in chromatin
structure. Estrogenic compounds have been reported to regulate DNA methylation in a small
number of studies. Additionally, phytoestrogens are believed to affect progression of some
human diseases, such as estrogen-dependent cancers, osteoporosis and cardiovascular
disease. Specifically, our working hypothesis is that certain soy phytoestrogens, such as …