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Histone Demethylases in Colon Cancer

Santanu Paul¹, Satish Ramalingam², Dharmalingam Subramaniam²

¹Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.

Current Colorectal Cancer Reports

|January 10, 2015

Abstract:

Cell growth and proliferation are controlled through different posttranslational modifications including demethylation, a process regulated by regulated by the demethylase enzymes. This review focuses on our current understanding of functional and therapeutic potentials of histone demethylases in colon cancer. Colon cancer is the third most common malignancy worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. The key protein families responsible for demethylation of histones, histone demethylases, have emerged as new therapeutic targets in different cancer types including colon cancer. These families are of great interest as potential novel biomarkers for diagnosis and targets for therapy and prevention of colon cancer. In this manuscript, we will discuss our current understanding of the histone demethylase family, and the role they play as epigenetic activators or repressors of different genes in colon cancer.

Insights

Histone demethylases regulate cell growth and are key targets in colon cancer therapy. Understanding their function offers potential for new diagnostic biomarkers and treatments for this common malignancy.

Area of Science:

Epigenetics and Molecular Oncology
Cancer Biology and Therapeutics

Background:

Cell growth and proliferation are tightly regulated by posttranslational modifications, including demethylation.
Colon cancer is a major global health concern, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
Histone demethylases, enzymes controlling demethylation, are increasingly recognized for their role in cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the functional roles of histone demethylases in colon cancer.
To explore the therapeutic potentials of targeting histone demethylases for colon cancer treatment.
To highlight histone demethylases as potential biomarkers for colon cancer diagnosis and prevention.

Main Methods:

Literature review of current research on histone demethylases.
Analysis of the role of histone demethylases in gene regulation within colon cancer.
Discussion of therapeutic targeting strategies and biomarker potential.

Main Results:

Histone demethylases act as epigenetic regulators, influencing gene expression in colon cancer.
These enzymes represent promising targets for novel therapeutic interventions.
Their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers is significant.

Conclusions:

Histone demethylases are critical epigenetic modifiers in colon cancer.
Targeting histone demethylases offers a promising avenue for colon cancer therapy and prevention.
Further research into these enzymes could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatment outcomes.

Read full analysis

Keywords:

Colon Cancer Epigenetic Histone Lysine Demethylases JMJD KDM LSD

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