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Epigenetics of kidney cancer and bladder cancer

Amanda M Hoffman1, Paul Cairns

  • 1Departments of Surgical Oncology & Pathology, W350, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA.

Epigenomics
|December 1, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This study reviews epigenetic alterations, including gene promoter hypermethylation, in cancer. Understanding these changes in kidney and bladder cancers can aid in diagnosis and prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics
  • Molecular Oncology
  • Cancer Genomics

Background:

  • Epigenetic alterations, specifically aberrant promoter hypermethylation, are key in cancer development.
  • Classical tumor suppressor genes and other cancer-related genes are frequently affected by hypermethylation in both inherited and sporadic cancers.
  • Kidney and bladder cancers present significant clinical challenges due to high mortality and recurrence rates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize current knowledge on gene hypermethylation in cancer cells.
  • To discuss global and array-based studies of tumor cell hypermethylation.
  • To explore the translational application of gene hypermethylation for kidney and bladder cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on gene hypermethylation, histone modifications, and RNA interference in cancer.
  • Gene-by-gene summary of hypermethylation in tumor suppressor and cancer genes.
  • Discussion of global and array-based hypermethylation studies.

Main Results:

  • Aberrant promoter hypermethylation is a significant epigenetic alteration in cancer cells.
  • Histone modifications and microRNAs (miRNAs) also play roles in kidney and bladder tumor cells.
  • Standardization of methylation scoring is crucial for accurate assessment.

Conclusions:

  • Gene hypermethylation is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of kidney and bladder cancers.
  • Translational application of gene hypermethylation can improve diagnosis and prognosis for these cancers.
  • Further research into epigenetic modifications is essential for advancing cancer management.

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