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Polycomb genes and cancer: time for clinical application?
Francesco Crea1, Elisa Paolicchi, Victor E Marquez
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56100 Pisa, Italy. fr.crea@gmail.com
Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
|November 25, 2011
Summary
Polycomb group genes (PcGs) are crucial epigenetic regulators in stem cells and cancer. This study explores their clinical significance as biomarkers and the therapeutic potential of the PRC2 inhibitor DZNeP in oncology.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics and Molecular Oncology
Background:
- Polycomb group genes (PcGs) are key epigenetic regulators controlling stem cell self-renewal and pluripotency.
- Dysregulation of PcGs, particularly overexpression, is linked to poor prognosis, metastasis, and chemoresistance in various cancers.
- Genetic variations in EZH2, a Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) component, correlate with lung cancer risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical significance of Polycomb group genes as predictive and prognostic biomarkers in oncology.
- To evaluate the potential of 3-Deazaneplanocin A (DZNeP), a PRC2 inhibitor, in cancer therapy.
- To propose a framework for developing DZNeP-based anticancer treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on PcGs, their role in cancer stem cells, and clinical implications.
- Analysis of the impact of DZNeP on cancer stem cell self-renewal and tumorigenicity.
- Exploration of PcGs as adjuncts to current cancer biomarkers.
Main Results:
- PcGs are implicated as significant predictive and prognostic factors in multiple cancer types.
- DZNeP demonstrates efficacy in impairing cancer stem cell self-renewal and reducing tumorigenicity.
- PcGs offer potential to enhance the predictive and prognostic value of existing cancer biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- Polycomb group genes hold substantial clinical value as biomarkers in oncology.
- 3-Deazaneplanocin A presents a promising therapeutic agent for cancer treatment, particularly targeting cancer stem cells.
- Further research into PcGs and DZNeP can lead to improved cancer diagnostics and personalized therapeutic regimens.
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