In addition to hormone receptor-dependent mechanisms, BPA also induces alterations in the DNA methylation patterns of multiple cell signaling genes in prostate cancer cells, indicating involvement of an epigenetic mechanism.118 Specifically, BPA enhances the expression of the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 4 variant 4 (PDE4D4), the gene for which is associated with DNA methylation and aging.118 Further studies are needed to elucidate the effects of BPA exposure on the development of prostate cancer. The gene discussed is NR4A1; the disease is Familial prostate cancer.