Decoding Cancer Formation: The Impact of Epigenetic Factors
Abstract
This study delves into the critical role of epigenetic factors in the formation and progression of cancer, offering a comprehensive analysis of the molecular mechanisms that drive tumorigenesis. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA regulation, have emerged as key players in the regulation of gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. These modifications can lead to the activation of oncogenes or the silencing of tumor suppressor genes, thereby contributing to the initiation and progression of cancer.
The research highlights how disruptions in normal epigenetic processes can result in abnormal cell growth, metastasis, and resistance to apoptosis, which are hallmarks of cancer. By analyzing recent advancements in epigenetic research, the study underscores the importance of understanding these mechanisms to identify potential biomarkers for early cancer detection and to develop targeted therapies that can reverse epigenetic alterations.
Through a detailed examination of various cancer types, the study demonstrates the widespread impact of epigenetic changes across different forms of the disease. It also explores the potential of epigenetic therapies, such as inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases and histone deacetylases, in reprogramming cancer cells to a more normal state. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the molecular underpinnings of cancer and offers insights into the development of novel therapeutic strategies that target epigenetic factors, paving the way for more effective and personalized cancer treatments.
Keywords
Epigenetics, cancer formationHow to Cite
References
Balgobind, B. V., Zwaan, C. M., Pieters, R., & Van den Heuvel-Eibrink, M. M. (2011). The heterogeneity of pediatric MLL-rearranged acute myeloid leukemia. Leukemia, 25(8), 1239-1248.
Berger, S. L., Kouzarides, T., Shiekhattar, R., &Shilatifard, A. (2009). An operational definition of epigenetics. Genes & development, 23(7), 781-783.
Bhaskara, S., Knutson, S. K., Jiang, G., Chandrasekharan, M. B., Wilson, A. J., Zheng, S., ... & Wells, C. E. (2010). Hdac3 is essential for the maintenance of chromatin structure and genome stability. Cancer cell, 18(5), 436-447.
Bots, M., &Johnstone, R. W. (2009). Rational combinations using HDAC inhibitors. Clinical cancer research, 15(12), 3970-3977.
Cang, S., Ma, Y., & Liu, D. (2009). New clinical developments in histone deacetylase inhibitors for epigenetic therapy of cancer. Journal of hematology & oncology, 2(1), 22.
Chase, A., & Cross, N. C. (2011). Aberrations of EZH2 in cancer. Clinical Cancer Research, 17(9), 2613-2618.
Conerly, M., & Grady, W. M. (2010). Insights into the role of DNA methylation in disease through the use of mouse models. Disease models & mechanisms, 3(5-6), 290-297.
Dawson, M. A., &Kouzarides, T. (2012). Cancer epigenetics: from mechanism to therapy. Cell, 150(1), 12-27.
EinavNili, G. Y., Saito, Y., Egger, G., & Jones, P. A. (2008). Cancer epigenetics: modifications, screening, and therapy. Annu. Rev. Med., 59, 267-280.
Esteller, M. (2007). Cancer epigenomics: DNA methylomes and histone-modification maps. Nature Reviews Genetics, 8(4), 286-298.
Esteller, M. (2008). Epigenetics in cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 358(11), 1148-59.
Feinberg, A. P., Ohlsson, R., &Henikoff, S. (2006). The epigenetic progenitor origin of human cancer. Nature reviews genetics, 7(1), 21-33.
Copyright (c) 2024 Abrar Wahab (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
