The epigenome as a target for cancer chemoprevention

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Epigenetics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Epigenetic events are crucial in cancer development, affecting gene expression without altering DNA sequence.
• These changes are heritable through cell division and occur throughout tumorigenesis, notably silencing tumor suppressor genes.
• Epigenetic modifications are reversible, presenting opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the rationale for targeting the epigenome in cancer prevention.
• To understand epigenetic changes occurring before malignancy for maximal chemopreventive impact.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on epigenetic alterations in tumorigenesis.
• Analysis of epigenetic mechanisms involved in tumor suppressor gene silencing.
• Examination of the potential for small molecule-driven epigenetic reversal in cancer chemoprevention.

Main Results:

• Epigenetic changes are fundamental to cancer initiation and progression.
• Tumor suppressor gene silencing via epigenetic mechanisms is a key event.
• Reversibility of epigenetic modifications highlights their potential as chemopreventive targets.

Conclusions:

• Targeting the epigenome is a viable cancer prevention strategy.
• Intervention during early tumorigenesis, before frank malignancy, offers the greatest potential for chemoprevention.
• Understanding pre-malignant epigenetic alterations is critical for developing effective chemopreventive drugs.