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Epigenetics in breast and prostate cancer
Yanyuan Wu1, Marianna Sarkissyan, Jaydutt V Vadgama
1Division of Cancer Research and Training, Department of Internal Medicine, Center to Eliminate Cancer Health Disparities, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 East 120th Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90059, USA.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|November 26, 2014
Summary
Epigenetics, including DNA and histone modifications, is crucial in cancer development. Understanding these epigenetic changes offers new avenues for cancer biomarkers and therapies, especially in breast and prostate cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Epigenetics, encompassing DNA and histone modifications, plays a significant role in cancer etiology by silencing tumor suppressor genes or activating oncogenes.
- While established in solid tumors like colorectal cancer, emerging evidence highlights epigenetics' critical role in breast and prostate cancers.
- Aberrant epigenetic patterns influence hormone receptor status in breast cancer and androgen receptor status in prostate cancer, impacting treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the critical role of epigenetics in cancer etiology, particularly in breast and prostate cancers.
- To explore the potential of epigenetic modifications as biomarkers for cancer risk and prognosis.
- To identify epigenetic mechanisms and targets for novel therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent investigations into cancer etiology focusing on epigenetic modifications.
- Analysis of DNA methylation profiles in breast and prostate cancer.
- Utilizing new methylation arrays for screening epigenetic changes.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic alterations are implicated in silencing tumor suppressors and promoting oncogenes.
- DNA methylation profiles correlate with hormone receptor status and tumor progression in breast cancer.
- Epigenetic patterns are associated with androgen receptor status and therapy response in prostate cancer.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetics is a high-priority field for understanding cancer mechanisms and developing targeted therapies.
- Nutritional interventions affecting epigenetic changes show promise for cancer management.
- Epigenetic changes can serve as biomarkers for cancer risk, prognosis, and therapeutic targets.
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