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Targeting the epigenetic machinery of cancer cells

M F Montenegro1, L Sánchez-del-Campo2, M P Fernández-Pérez1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology A, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.

Oncogene
|January 29, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Targeting epigenetic alterations in cancer, including aberrant methylation, offers novel therapeutic strategies. Manipulating methionine metabolism could enhance anticancer therapies by promoting apoptosis and reducing metastasis.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Cancer involves uncontrolled cell growth and metastasis, often due to oncogene activation or tumor suppressor gene inactivation.
  • Aberrant regulation of methylation, including DNA, histones, and nonhistone proteins, is increasingly linked to tumorigenesis.
  • Methionine metabolism is crucial for many methylation reactions involved in cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential of targeting epigenetic machinery in cancer cells for novel anticancer therapies.
  • To investigate the role of aberrant methylation in cancer biology and development.
  • To highlight the therapeutic utility of epigenetic modifications in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Reviewing evidence linking aberrant methylation patterns to cancer.
  • Analyzing the role of methionine metabolism in cellular methylation processes.
  • Evaluating the potential of epigenetic therapies for cancer treatment.

Main Results:

  • Aberrant methylation of DNA, histones, and nonhistone proteins is implicated in cancer.
  • Methionine metabolic cycling is a key pathway for methylation reactions in cancer cells.
  • Targeting epigenetic machinery offers potential for novel anticancer therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Strategies targeting epigenetic machinery, particularly methylation, hold promise for effective cancer therapies.
  • Epigenetic therapies could promote cancer cell apoptosis (programmed cell death) via E2F1.
  • These therapies may also help prevent cancer metastasis and sensitize tumors to radiotherapy.

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