Infectious Agents Contribute to Cancer Development through Epigenetic Regulation

Research from the National Cancer Institute highlights the significance of infectious agents in cancer development, with specific examples of human papilloma virus, hepatitis virus, and Epstein-Barr virus contributing to various types of cancer. These agents not only cause genomic instability but also affect the host's immune system, with some integrating into the host genome and regulating expression through epigenetic mechanisms. The study emphasizes the importance of epigenetic regulators, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, in controlling the expression of infectious agents in cancer.

Key Takeaways:

• Infectious agents, including human papilloma virus, hepatitis virus, and Epstein-Barr virus, play a significant role in cancer development through genomic instability and immune system disruption.
• These agents can integrate into the host genome and regulate expression through epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, miRNA level alteration, and chromatin condensation.
• Epigenetic regulation of infectious agents in cancer is influenced by factors such as chromatin condensation and miRNA expression.
• Epigenetic inhibitors may offer potential in cancer control and treatment, providing a novel approach to cancer management.
• Examples of cancer-associated infectious agents include human papilloma virus in cervical cancer, hepatitis virus in hepatocellular carcinoma, herpes virus in Kaposi's sarcoma, Epstein-Barr virus in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) in T-cell leukemia and lymphoma, and Helicobacter pylori in gastric cancer.

Statistics:

• 1238 is the chapter number in the Methods In Molecular Biology series where this research is published.
• 333-54 are the page numbers where the research is discussed.
• National Cancer Institute is a prominent organization conducting research in cancer development and treatment.

Sources:

• "Cancer-associated infectious agents and epigenetic regulation." Methods In Molecular Biology 1238 (2015): 333-54
• V. Vedham, Methods and Technologies Branch, Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• 9609 Medical Center Dr, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States