Interdependency between genetic and epigenetic regulatory defects in cancer

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Cancer Biology

Background:

• Epigenetic regulation involves heritable changes in gene expression without altering DNA sequence.
• DNA and basic proteins form chromatin, essential for nuclear functions.
• Both genetics and epigenetics influence human biology and diseases, including cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To readdress cancer concepts considering genetic and epigenetic defects.
• To highlight the impact of epigenetics on aging, stem cells, and cancer.
• To describe the central role of genetic and epigenetic defects in cancer.

Main Methods:

• Review of current understanding of chromatin organization.
• Analysis of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in cancer.
• Exploration of the three-dimensional context of the cell nucleus.

Main Results:

• Epigenetic and genetic processes orchestrate aging, senescence, nutrition, stem cell biology, and cancer.
• Cancer mechanisms require reevaluation at the whole genome and nuclear space scales.
• Genetic and epigenetic defects are central to cancer development.

Conclusions:

• Epigenetic regulation is fundamental to understanding cancer.
• A comprehensive view of cancer necessitates considering genetic and epigenetic factors.
• Defects in genetic and epigenetic processes are critically relevant to cancer.