Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026

An Integrated Platform for Genome-wide Mapping of Chromatin States Using High-throughput ChIP-sequencing in Tumor Tissues
Published on: April 5, 2018
Epigenetic control of tumor suppression
Stela S Palii1, Keith D Robertson
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shands Cancer Center, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100245, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
Abstract:
Epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes is a major contributor to neoplastic transformation and is an area of intense research. Identification of genes that undergo cancer-specific CpG island hypermethylation in combination with repressive histone tail modifications (deacetylation and methylation) and correlation of these data with tumor stage, progression, and long-term prognosis are becoming increasingly common. The efforts directed toward elucidating the mechanisms of neoplastic tumor suppression catalyzed the convergence of epigenetics, chromatin remodeling, and pharmacology of epigenome-altering drugs. This review discusses the key findings and current concepts concerning the epigenetic control of tumor suppression and analyzes the role of DNA hypermethylation in conjunction with histone deacetylation and methylation profiles of tumor suppressor genes as it relates to epigenetic loss of function in malignancy. Examples arguing for hierarchic control and interdependent regulation within the cellular tumor suppression networks are also presented. Finally, the necessity of a human epigenome database integrating the continually produced experimental information for use by both researchers and clinicians for prospective translational multidisciplinary studies of tumor suppressor networks is rationalized.
Insights
Epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes, through DNA hypermethylation and histone modifications, drives cancer development. Understanding these epigenetic changes is crucial for developing new cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes is a key driver of cancer.
- Cancer-specific CpG island hypermethylation and repressive histone modifications are increasingly studied.
- Research integrates epigenetics, chromatin remodeling, and epigenome-altering drugs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key findings on epigenetic control of tumor suppression.
- To analyze the role of DNA hypermethylation and histone modifications in malignancy.
- To discuss hierarchical control and interdependent regulation in tumor suppression networks.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epigenetic mechanisms in cancer.
- Analysis of DNA hypermethylation and histone deacetylation/methylation profiles.
- Examination of tumor stage, progression, and prognosis correlations.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic alterations, including DNA hypermethylation and histone modifications, lead to tumor suppressor gene silencing.
- These epigenetic changes correlate with tumor stage, progression, and patient prognosis.
- Hierarchical and interdependent regulatory networks exist within cellular tumor suppression.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic loss of function is critical in malignancy.
- Developing a human epigenome database is essential for translational research.
- Integrating epigenetic data will advance multidisciplinary studies of tumor suppressor networks.
Related Concept Videos
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
Epigenetic Regulation
X-chromosome...
Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic Regulation
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...