Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
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
Cancer epigenetics reaches mainstream oncology
Manuel Rodríguez-Paredes1, Manel Esteller
1Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, L'Hospitalet, and Department of Physiological Sciences II, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Nature Medicine
|March 10, 2011
Summary
Epigenetics, the study of gene expression changes without altering DNA sequence, has advanced significantly. This progress offers new cancer biomarkers and pharmacological treatments, transforming oncology.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Research
- Cancer Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Epigenetics has evolved from studying DNA methylation to encompassing diverse histone modifications.
- Recent decades have seen a surge in knowledge regarding epigenetics' role in normal and disease biology.
- Methodological advancements include a shift from single-gene studies to comprehensive epigenomic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the progress in cancer epigenetics research.
- To highlight the integration of epigenetics into mainstream oncology.
- To discuss the development of novel biomarkers and pharmacological strategies for cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical and recent advancements in epigenetics.
- Analysis of the transition from candidate gene approaches to epigenomic profiling.
- Examination of clinical applications and drug development in cancer epigenetics.
Main Results:
- Epigenetics now involves a wide array of markers beyond DNA methylation, including histone modifications.
- Epigenomic approaches enable unbiased, genome-wide interrogation for translational applications.
- Mutations in epigenetic machinery and the advent of epigenetic drugs mark significant clinical progress.
Conclusions:
- Cancer epigenetics has become a mainstream area in oncology.
- New biomarkers for cancer detection and prognosis are emerging from epigenetic research.
- Novel pharmacological strategies targeting epigenetic mechanisms are revolutionizing 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.
02:21Cancers 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...
02:21Cancers 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...
02:57Targeted 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...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...