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Epigenetic cross-talk between DNA methylation and histone modifications in human cancers

Yutaka Kondo1

  • 1Division of Molecular Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan. ykondo@aichi-cc.jp

Yonsei Medical Journal
|September 1, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetic alterations like DNA methylation and histone modifications are key in human cancer development. This review explores their link and role in tumor formation.

Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics and Cancer Biology

Background:

  • Human cancers exhibit significant alterations in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin structure.
  • Epigenetic silencing of cancer-related genes is a crucial mechanism in tumor formation.
  • A link between DNA methylation and histone modifications is increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review studies demonstrating the relationship between histone modifications and DNA methylation in human cancers.
  • To discuss the implications of these epigenetic mechanisms in human neoplasia.
  • To explore how histone modifications may affect DNA methylation and gene involvement in tumor formation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on epigenetic mechanisms in human cancers.
  • Analysis of findings linking histone modifications and DNA methylation.
  • Discussion of the role of these mechanisms in tumor development.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic regulators profoundly alter chromatin in human cancers.
  • The interplay between histone modifications and DNA methylation is complex and not fully understood.
  • The presence of histone modifications does not always correlate with DNA methylation in cancers, suggesting additional factors are involved.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, are critical in human cancer.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise connections and regulatory factors involved.
  • Understanding these epigenetic links is vital for exploring novel therapeutic strategies in oncology.
Keywords:
DNA methylationHistone methylationhistone methyltransferase

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