DNA demethylation and invasive cancer: implications for therapeutics

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Epigenetics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Aberrant DNA methylation is a hallmark of cancer, involving hypermethylation of tumor suppressors and hypomethylation of prometastatic genes.
• DNA methylation is reversible, leading to the development of DNA methylation inhibitors as anticancer drugs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current progress of DNA methylation inhibitors in cancer therapy.
• To discuss the potential promise and challenges associated with these drugs, particularly regarding metastasis.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on DNA methylation inhibitors in cancer treatment.
• Analysis of the dual effects of DNA methylation inhibitors on tumor suppressor and prometastatic genes.

Main Results:

• DNA methylation inhibitors like 5-azacytidine (Vidaza) and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine are FDA-approved for antitumour therapy.
• These drugs can activate tumor suppressor genes but may also activate prometastatic genes, potentially increasing metastasis.

Conclusions:

• Targeting DNA methylation offers a promising strategy for cancer treatment.
• Balancing the reactivation of tumor suppressor genes while avoiding prometastatic gene activation is crucial for effective and safe cancer therapy.