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Epigenetic changes in cancer

Manel Esteller1

  • 1Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia Spain.

F1000 Biology Reports
|June 10, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetics research is rapidly advancing, particularly in cancer. Future human cancer epigenome data will drive development of novel biomarkers and epigenetic therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical research
  • Cancer epigenetics
  • Molecular biology

Background:

  • Epigenetics has gained significant traction in biomedical fields, originating in cancer research.
  • Key milestones include DNA hypomethylation (1980s), CpG island hypermethylation (1990s), and drug approvals (2000s).
  • Current research encompasses histone modifications and noncoding RNA interactions in transformed cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the expanding scope of epigenetics in biomedical research.
  • To emphasize the historical progression of epigenetic discoveries in cancer.
  • To forecast future directions in cancer epigenome research.

Main Methods:

  • Review of historical epigenetic findings in cancer.
  • Discussion of current research trends in epigenetics.
  • Anticipation of future research based on epigenome completion.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetics has evolved from DNA methylation to include histone modifications and noncoding RNAs.
  • Significant progress has been made in understanding epigenetic alterations in cancer.
  • Completion of human cancer epigenomes is imminent.

Conclusions:

  • The field of epigenetics is rapidly expanding across biomedical disciplines.
  • Upcoming human cancer epigenome data holds promise for improved diagnostics and therapeutics.
  • Further research into histone modifications and noncoding RNAs is crucial for advancing epigenetic therapies.

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