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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

Switching on epigenetic therapy

Sascha Karberg

    Cell
    |December 17, 2009
    PubMed

    Insights

    Reversible epigenetic changes, known as epimutations, are hallmarks of various diseases. Biotechnology firms are developing novel therapeutics to correct these pathogenic alterations in gene expression.

    Area of Science:

    • Molecular Biology
    • Genetics
    • Epigenetics

    Background:

    • Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone alterations, play crucial roles in regulating gene expression.
    • Aberrant epigenetic changes, termed epimutations, are increasingly recognized as significant contributors to the development and progression of various diseases, including cancer.
    • These epimutations are potentially reversible, offering therapeutic opportunities.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To highlight the role of reversible epigenetic changes in disease pathogenesis.
    • To underscore the emerging therapeutic strategies targeting epimutations.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of current scientific literature on epigenetics and disease.
    • Analysis of trends in biotechnology drug development focused on epigenetic targets.

    Main Results:

    • Epigenetic dysregulation is a common feature across a spectrum of human diseases.
    • Biotechnology companies are actively investing in and developing drugs designed to reverse pathogenic epimutations.
    • These novel drugs aim to restore normal gene expression patterns by targeting epigenetic mechanisms.

    Conclusions:

    • Reversible epigenetic modifications represent a critical area of research and therapeutic development.
    • Targeting epimutations holds promise for treating a range of diseases characterized by altered gene expression.

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