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Systems Biology of Metabolic Regulation by Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer
Published on: March 17, 2016
Epigenomics and breast cancer
Pang-Kuo Lo1, Saraswati Sukumar
1Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1650 Orleans Street, CRBI-143, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.
Abstract:
Breast carcinogenesis involves genetic and epigenetic alterations that cause aberrant gene function. Recent progress in the knowledge of epigenomics has had a profound impact on the understanding of mechanisms leading to breast cancer, and consequently the development of new strategies for diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Epigenetic regulation has been known to involve three mutually interacting events--DNA methylation, histone modifications and nucleosomal remodeling. These processes modulate chromatin structure to form euchromatin or heterochromatin, and in turn activate or silence gene expression. Alteration in expression of key genes through aberrant epigenetic regulation in breast cells can lead to initiation, promotion and maintenance of carcinogenesis, and is even implicated in the generation of drug resistance. We currently review known roles of the epigenetic machinery in the development and recurrence of breast cancer. Furthermore, we highlight the significance of epigenetic alterations as predictive biomarkers and as new targets of anticancer therapy.
Insights
Epigenetic alterations in breast cells drive cancer development and drug resistance. Understanding these epigenetic changes offers new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Breast cancer arises from genetic and epigenetic alterations affecting gene function.
- Epigenomics advances understanding of breast cancer mechanisms, impacting diagnosis and treatment.
- Epigenetic regulation involves DNA methylation, histone modifications, and nucleosomal remodeling, controlling gene expression via chromatin structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the roles of epigenetic machinery in breast cancer development and recurrence.
- To highlight epigenetic alterations as predictive biomarkers.
- To explore epigenetic alterations as novel targets for anticancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epigenetic mechanisms in breast cancer.
- Analysis of epigenetic alterations in gene expression.
- Evaluation of epigenetic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Main Results:
- Aberrant epigenetic regulation contributes to breast cancer initiation, promotion, and maintenance.
- Epigenetic changes are implicated in the development of drug resistance in breast cancer.
- Epigenetic alterations are significant in breast cancer recurrence.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic machinery plays a critical role in breast cancer progression and recurrence.
- Epigenetic alterations serve as valuable predictive biomarkers for breast cancer.
- Targeting epigenetic modifications presents a promising avenue for novel breast cancer therapies.
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