Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Continuous Fluorescence-Based Endonuclease-Coupled DNA Methylation Assay to Screen for DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitors
06:07

Continuous Fluorescence-Based Endonuclease-Coupled DNA Methylation Assay to Screen for DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitors

Published on: August 5, 2022

Reversing aberrant methylation patterns in cancer

F S Poke1, A Qadi, A F Holloway

  • 1Menzies Research Institute, Private Bag 23, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia.

Current Medicinal Chemistry
|February 20, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetic changes, including DNA and histone methylation, drive cancer. Inhibitors targeting these epigenetic pathways offer therapeutic potential but require careful design due to complex pathway interactions.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Epigenetic alterations are crucial in cancer development and progression.
  • Aberrant gene expression in cancer is linked to epigenetic modifications.
  • Enzymes regulating epigenetic information are key therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current research on epigenetic inhibitors for cancer treatment.
  • To focus on targeted epigenetic modifications and their interactions.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of reversing epigenetic changes in cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current scientific literature on epigenetic inhibitors.
  • Analysis of targeted epigenetic modifications (DNA methylation, histone methylation).
  • Examination of functional interactions between epigenetic pathways.

Main Results:

  • Development of reagents targeting enzymes involved in DNA and histone methylation.
  • Recognition of complex interactions between these gene silencing pathways.
  • Identification of potential therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic inhibitors show promise for cancer therapy.
  • Understanding pathway interactions is vital for effective drug design.
  • Targeting epigenetic modifications offers a novel approach to cancer treatment.

More Related Videos

Enhanced Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing for Assessment of DNA Methylation at Base Pair Resolution13:47

Enhanced Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing for Assessment of DNA Methylation at Base Pair Resolution

Published on: February 24, 2015

Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer07:50

Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer

Published on: September 18, 2020

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.
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Phase II Reactions: Methylation Reactions01:17

Phase II Reactions: Methylation Reactions

Methylation is a phase II biotransformation process involving the attachment of a methyl group to a substrate. Enzymes known as methyltransferases orchestrate this reaction.
The mechanism of methylation unfolds in two stages. The first stage sees a methyltransferase enzyme facilitating the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the substrate, forming S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). The second stage involves further metabolism of SAH into homocysteine, which can be recycled...