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The role of epigenetics in kidney malignancies

Alfredo Harb-De la Rosa¹, Matthew Acker¹, Sanjaya Swain¹

¹Department of Urology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.

Central European Journal of Urology

|August 8, 2015

Abstract

Introduction:

Renal cell carcinomas (RCC) are collectively the third most common type of genitourinary neoplasms, surpassed only by prostate and bladder cancer. Cure rates for renal cell carcinoma are related to tumor grade and stage; therefore, diagnostic methods for early detection and new therapeutic modalities are of paramount importance. Epigenetics can be defined as inherited modifications in gene expression that are not encoded in the DNA sequence itself. Epigenetics may play an important role in the pursuit of early diagnosis, accurate prognostication and identification of new therapeutic targets.

Material And Methods:

We used PubMed to conduct a comprehensive search of the English medical literature using search terms including epigenetics, DNA methylation, histone modification, microRNA regulation (miRNA) and RCC. In this review, we discuss the potential application of epigenetics in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of kidney cancer.

Results:

During the last decade, many different types of epigenetic alterations of DNA have been found to be associated with malignant renal tumors. This has led to the research of the diagnostic and prognostic implications of these changes in renal malignancies as well as to the development of novel drugs to target these changes, with the aim of achieving a survival benefit.

Conclusions:

Epigenetics has become a promising field in cancer research. The potential to achieve early detection and accurate prognostication in kidney cancer might be feasible through the application of epigenetics. The possibility to reverse these epigenetic changes with new therapeutic agents motivates researchers to continue pursuing better treatment options for kidney cancer and other malignancies.

Insights

Epigenetic alterations in kidney cancer show promise for early detection and improved prognostication. Reversing these changes with new therapies may offer better treatment options for renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Area of Science:

Oncology
Molecular Biology
Genetics

Background:

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a significant genitourinary neoplasm.
Early detection and novel therapies are crucial for improving RCC cure rates.
Epigenetics, modifications in gene expression not altering DNA sequence, offers potential for cancer research.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the role of epigenetics in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of kidney cancer.
To explore the diagnostic and therapeutic implications of epigenetic alterations in RCC.

Main Methods:

Comprehensive literature search of PubMed using terms: epigenetics, DNA methylation, histone modification, microRNA regulation (miRNA), and RCC.
Review of studies on epigenetic alterations in malignant renal tumors.

Main Results:

Numerous epigenetic alterations are associated with malignant renal tumors.
Research is exploring diagnostic and prognostic implications of these changes.
Novel drugs targeting epigenetic modifications are being developed for potential survival benefits.

Conclusions:

Epigenetics is a promising field in kidney cancer research.
Epigenetic approaches may enable early detection and accurate prognostication of RCC.
The reversibility of epigenetic changes with new agents fuels research for better kidney cancer treatments.

Read full analysis

Keywords:

DNA methylation histone modification kidney cancer microRNA regulation

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