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Methylated DNA Immunoprecipitation
Published on: January 2, 2009
Epigenetic mechanisms in cancer
Hirendra Nath Banerjee1, Mukesh Verma
1Department of Biology, Campus Box 930, Elizabeth City State University, 1704 Weeksville Road, Elizabeth City, NC 27909, USA. bhirendranath@mail.ecsu.edu
Biomarkers in Medicine
|May 19, 2010
Summary
Epigenetics, the study of gene expression changes without altering DNA sequence, offers functional insights into the human genome. This field shows promise for cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment through reversible epigenetic modifications.
Area of Science:
- Genomics and Epigenetics
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- The human genome project highlighted the need for functional genomic mapping.
- Epigenetics provides insights into gene function by studying alterations in gene expression.
- Epigenetic mechanisms regulate the activation and inactivation of cancer-associated genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status of epigenetics in cancer research.
- To discuss the application of epigenetic markers in cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
- To explore the potential of epigenetic modifications as therapeutic targets in oncology.
Main Methods:
- Review of epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation, histone deacetylation, chromatin remodeling, and noncoding RNA.
- Identification and analysis of epigenetic markers in various tumor types.
- Investigation of chemical modulators for reversing epigenetic aberrations.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic markers are identified for cancer detection, diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and screening.
- Reactivation of silenced genes is achievable through chemical reversion of epigenetic changes.
- Epigenetic aberrations are reversible, making them attractive targets for cancer therapy.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetics is a powerful science with significant implications for cancer research and clinical application.
- Epigenetic modulators targeting DNA demethylation and histone deacetylase inhibition show therapeutic potential.
- Challenges remain in the clinical translation of epigenetic approaches for cancer treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:37Epigenetic 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...
X-chromosome...
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
02:53Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
02:53Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
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Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...