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Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers
10:28

Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers

Published on: September 20, 2018

The epigenome as a molecular marker and target

David Gius1, C Matthew Bradbury, Lunching Sun

  • 1Molecular Radiation Oncology Section, Radiation Oncology Branch, Radiation Oncology Sciences Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1002, USA. giusd@mail.nih.gov

Cancer
|September 9, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Methylation plays a key role in cancer development and progression. Further research into DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) genes could reveal new molecular markers and targets for anticancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Tumor progression involves complex mechanisms like altered cell cycle regulation, growth factor pathway activation, and reduced apoptosis.
  • Epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, are increasingly recognized for their role in cellular transformation.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for identifying novel therapeutic targets and improving cancer treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the central role of DNA methylation in cancer transformation.
  • To investigate the potential of methylation-regulating genes as molecular markers for tumor profiling.
  • To assess DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) genes as potential targets for novel anticancer agents.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of gene expression patterns related to methylation.
  • Investigation of intracellular methyltransferase activity and its impact on gene expression.
  • Examination of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) genes for potential therapeutic applications.

Main Results:

  • Methylation is confirmed to play a significant role in both in vitro and in vivo cancer transformation.
  • The precise targets and mechanisms of methylation in cancer require further elucidation.
  • Comprehensive methods for examining gene expression patterns are necessary for future research.

Conclusions:

  • Genes regulating intracellular methylation status may serve as valuable molecular markers for tumor profiling.
  • DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) genes represent promising novel molecular targets for developing targeted anticancer therapies.
  • Further research into methylation's role in cancer is essential for advancing therapeutic interventions.

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