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Related Concept Videos

Epigenetic Regulation01:37

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell02:21

Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell

Cancer arises from mutations in the critical genes that allow healthy cells to escape cell cycle regulation and acquire the ability to proliferate indefinitely. Though originating from a single mutation event in one of the originator cells, cancer progresses when the mutant cell lines continue to gain more and more mutations, and finally, become malignant. For example, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) develops initially as a non-lethal increase in white blood cells, which progressively...
Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell02:21

Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell

Cancer arises from mutations in the critical genes that allow healthy cells to escape cell cycle regulation and acquire the ability to proliferate indefinitely. Though originating from a single mutation event in one of the originator cells, cancer progresses when the mutant cell lines continue to gain more and more mutations, and finally, become malignant. For example, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) develops initially as a non-lethal increase in white blood cells, which progressively...
Cancer Prevention02:59

Cancer Prevention

Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

An Integrated Platform for Genome-wide Mapping of Chromatin States Using High-throughput ChIP-sequencing in Tumor Tissues
10:41

An Integrated Platform for Genome-wide Mapping of Chromatin States Using High-throughput ChIP-sequencing in Tumor Tissues

Published on: April 5, 2018

Epigenetics and cancer without genomic instability.

Elizabeth S McKenna1, Charles W M Roberts

  • 1Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.

Cell Cycle (Georgetown, Tex.)
|December 23, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Epigenetic changes, not genomic instability, may drive aggressive cancers. These DNA methylation and histone modification abnormalities can be sufficient for oncogenesis, challenging traditional cancer hallmarks.

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Investigation of the Transcriptional Role of a RUNX1 Intronic Silencer by CRISPR/Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells

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Last Updated: Jun 27, 2026

An Integrated Platform for Genome-wide Mapping of Chromatin States Using High-throughput ChIP-sequencing in Tumor Tissues
10:41

An Integrated Platform for Genome-wide Mapping of Chromatin States Using High-throughput ChIP-sequencing in Tumor Tissues

Published on: April 5, 2018

Methylated DNA Immunoprecipitation
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Investigation of the Transcriptional Role of a RUNX1 Intronic Silencer by CRISPR/Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells
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Investigation of the Transcriptional Role of a RUNX1 Intronic Silencer by CRISPR/Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells

Published on: September 1, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Genomic instability is a recognized hallmark of cancer, but its role as a cause versus consequence of tumorigenesis is debated.
  • Subsets of cancers lacking chromosomal or microsatellite instability challenge the essential role of genomic instability in oncogenesis.
  • Epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, are increasingly implicated in cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss evidence supporting epigenetic events as primary drivers of aggressive cancer progression.
  • To evaluate whether epigenetic changes alone can be sufficient for oncogenesis.
  • To challenge the paradigm that genomic instability is a prerequisite for cancer initiation and maintenance.

Main Methods:

  • Review and synthesis of existing scientific literature.
  • Analysis of evidence linking epigenetic alterations to cancer development.
  • Comparative analysis of cancer progression with and without genomic instability.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests that epigenetic modifications, such as aberrant DNA methylation and histone alterations, can drive aggressive cancer progression.
  • These epigenetic events may be sufficient for oncogenesis, independent of significant genomic instability.
  • The study highlights the critical role of epigenetics in understanding cancer development and progression.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic dysregulation, rather than genomic instability, may be the predominant driver of many aggressive cancers.
  • Epigenetic events can initiate and sustain tumorigenesis, potentially without overt chromosomal abnormalities.
  • This perspective broadens the understanding of cancer biology and suggests new avenues for therapeutic intervention.