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The epigenetics of cancer etiology

Andrew P Feinberg1

  • 1Epigenetics Unit, Departments of Medicine, Oncology, and Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1064 Ross, Johns Hopkins Medical School, 720 Rutland Ave., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. afeinberg@jhu.edu

Seminars in Cancer Biology
|October 19, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetic alterations are key in cancer development, influencing gene expression and stability. This review proposes epigenetics and genetics are complementary in cancer etiology, with epigenetics potentially increasing genetic changes leading to cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Epigenetic dysregulation, including DNA methylation and chromatin modification, is fundamental to cancer development.
  • Aberrant epigenetic patterns contribute to oncogene activation, tumor suppressor gene silencing, and chromosomal instability.
  • Disrupted genomic imprinting and epigenetic errors in conditions like Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome highlight epigenetics' causal role in cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present the view that epigenetic and genetic factors are complementary in cancer etiology.
  • To propose a hypothesis where epigenetic alterations promote tumor progression and increase cancer initiation probability.
  • To offer a new perspective on environmental carcinogens' role in cancer, considering epigenetic influences.

Main Methods:

  • This is a review article, synthesizing existing research on epigenetics and cancer.
  • The focus is on conceptualizing the interplay between epigenetic and genetic alterations in cancer development.
  • The review discusses established epigenetic mechanisms and their roles in various cancers.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic changes (hypomethylation, hypermethylation, chromatin modification) are integral to cancer progression.
  • Epigenetic alterations may prime cells, increasing the likelihood of genetic mutations leading to cancer initiation.
  • Existing models may not fully capture the role of environmental carcinogens without considering epigenetic factors.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetics and genetics are complementary forces in cancer etiology.
  • Epigenetic alterations play a dual role in cancer, driving progression and facilitating initiation.
  • A comprehensive understanding of cancer requires integrating both epigenetic and genetic perspectives, especially concerning environmental exposures.

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