A Glimpse into ‘Epigenetics’
Epigenetics is defined as the inheritable changes in gene expression with no alterations in DNA sequences. Epigenetics is a rapidly expanding field, and the study of epigenetic regulation in cancer is emerging. Disruption of the epigenome is a fundamental mechanism in cancer, and several epigenetic drugs have been proven to prolong survival and to be less toxic than conventional chemotherapy. Promising results from combination clinical trials with DNA methylation inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors have recently been reported, and data are emerging that describe molecular determinants of clinical responses.
The packaging of DNA into chromatin presents a potential barrier to factors that require DNA as their template. There are mainly three modifications regulating chromatin structure and epigenetic mechanisms of gene expression, including DNA methylation, histone covalent modification and microRNAs (miRNAs). These modifications jointly constitute the ‘Epigenetic code’ to modulate the expression of the mammalian genome in different cell types, through developmental stages and in diverse disease states including cancer.
Human tumors are a group of diseases triggered by various causes, epigenetic abnormalities occurring in tumors have led to the development of epigenetic treatment in cancer. Epigenetic therapy aims to reverse the epigenetic alterations occurring in tumors, thus, restoring the normal epigenome. There is still a long way to go until the successful epigenetic treatment of cancer. More specific and effective inhibitors should be developed to reduce unwanted side-effects as much as possible since epigenetic modifying enzymes function in a wide range of organs in the body; in addition, epigenetic changes occurring in tumors have not been completely studied. Research on detailed epigenetic changes in cancer, and the in-depth study of tumor pathology are expected to enhance the ability to diagnose and treat cancer.
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Angelina Matthew
Journal Coordinator
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