Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 30, 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

DNA demethylating antineoplastic strategies: a comparative point of view

Stefano Amatori1, Irene Bagaloni, Benedetta Donati

  • 1Molecular Pathology and Oncology Lab. "PaoLa," Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo," Fano, Italy.

Genes & Cancer
|July 23, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetic alterations, like DNA methylation changes, are crucial in early cancer development. Reversible epigenetic therapies offer new ways to treat cancer by correcting abnormal gene expression in cancer cells.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Genetic alterations are known drivers of cancer, but epigenetic dysregulation, including DNA methylation and histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs), is increasingly recognized in early tumor development.
  • Epigenetic changes are reversible, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Aberrant epigenetic patterns can deregulate critical cellular pathways essential for neoplastic transformation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review epigenetic therapies, focusing on DNA methylation.
  • To evaluate novel and clinically approved strategies targeting epigenetic modifications.
  • To compare the therapeutic potential of different epigenetic approaches.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of epigenetic modifications and therapies.
  • Analysis of DNA methylation-targeting strategies.
  • Evaluation of approved and emerging epigenetic drugs.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic drugs can reverse aberrant gene expression in cancer cells.
  • These drugs have the potential to reestablish normal molecular pathways.
  • Several therapeutic strategies affecting DNA methylation are under investigation and in clinical use.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic therapies represent a promising avenue for cancer treatment.
  • Targeting DNA methylation is a key strategy in developing these therapies.
  • Further research and clinical evaluation are essential to optimize their therapeutic potential.
Keywords:
5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine5-azacytidineDNA demethylating drugsDNMT inhibitorsepigenetic therapy

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