Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 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
Epigenetic mechanisms in commonly occurring cancers
1Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8023, USA. lauren.blair@yale.edu
DNA and Cell Biology
|April 24, 2012
Summary
Cancer research increasingly focuses on epigenetics, reversible changes like DNA methylation and histone modifications, beyond simple genetic mutations. Understanding these epigenetic mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Cancer is a complex disease with diverse molecular underpinnings.
- Genetic mutations alone do not fully explain cancer development.
- Epigenetic modifications are increasingly recognized as critical drivers of cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key epigenetic mechanisms in solid tumors.
- To highlight the role of epigenetics in cancer progression.
- To provide an overview relevant to cancer research in the US and Europe.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epigenetic mechanisms in solid tumors.
- Focus on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNA expression.
- Synthesis of current research findings.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic alterations are fundamental to cancer development and progression.
- Mechanisms include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNA dysregulation.
- These epigenetic changes are often reversible, offering therapeutic targets.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic modifications are vital in solid tumor development.
- Targeting epigenetic processes represents a promising therapeutic strategy.
- Continued research into cancer epigenetics is essential for advancing 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.
02:53Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
02:53Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
02:59Cancer Prevention
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...