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Epigenetic Aberrations in Cancer: A Promising Field for Therapy

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Recent research published in Carcinogenesis has highlighted the essential role of epigenetic mechanisms in cancer development and progression. Disruption of epigenetic processes can lead to altered gene function and malignant cellular transformation. S. Sharma and colleagues at the University of Southern California's Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center have extensively reviewed the current understanding of epigenetic alterations in cancer, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA expression. The reversible nature of epigenetic aberrations has led to the emergence of epigenetic therapy, with three epigenetic drugs recently approved by the FDA for cancer treatment.

Key Takeaways:

  • Epigenetic mechanisms are crucial for normal development and maintenance of tissue-specific gene expression patterns in mammals.
  • Disruption of epigenetic processes can lead to altered gene function and malignant cellular transformation.
  • Global changes in the epigenetic landscape are a hallmark of cancer, involving epigenetic abnormalities along with genetic alterations.
  • Recent advancements in cancer epigenetics have shown extensive reprogramming of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA expression.
  • The reversible nature of epigenetic aberrations has led to the emergence of epigenetic therapy, with three drugs approved for cancer treatment.
  • The researchers discuss the current understanding of epigenetic alterations in cancer and their roles in cancer initiation and progression, including the cancer stem cell model.
  • Epigenetic therapy has emerged as a promising field for designing more effective treatment strategies.

Statistics:

  • 27: The article number in the Carcinogenesis issue (Carcinogenesis, 2010;31(1)).
  • 31: The volume number of Carcinogenesis in which the article was published.
  • 1: The issue number of Carcinogenesis in which the article was published.
  • 36: The page number on which the article on epigenetics in cancer was published.
  • 3: The number of epigenetic drugs approved by the FDA for cancer treatment.

Sources:

  • S. Sharma et al. (2010) Epigenetics in cancer. Carcinogenesis, 31(1), 27-36.
  • United States (no date) Genetics.
  • Oxford University Press (no date) Carcinogenesis.
  • University of Southern California (no date) Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

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