Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 1, 2026
07:50
Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer
Published on: September 18, 2020
6.3K
[Epigenetic alterations in cervical cancer progression]
Magdalena Ríos-Romero1, Ana Guadalupe Soto-Valladares, Patricia Piña-Sánchez
1Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Oncológicas, Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular, Hospital de Oncología, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Distrito Federal, México. 1307patricia@gmail.com.
Revista Medica Del Instituto Mexicano Del Seguro Social
|October 15, 2015
Summary
Cervical cancer, a persistent public health issue in Mexico, is linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) and requires further biomarker research. Epigenetic alterations offer potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for this malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern in Mexico, despite screening efforts.
- High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a primary risk factor, but genetic and epigenetic alterations are also crucial for cancer development.
- Unlike other cancers, established clinical biomarkers for cervical cancer are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common epigenetic alterations in cervical cancer.
- To explore the potential of these epigenetic alterations as biomarkers for prognosis and clinical application.
- To highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting epigenetic modifications in cervical cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epigenetic alterations in cervical cancer.
- Analysis of current research on biomarkers in cervical cancer.
- Discussion of the potential clinical utility of epigenetic modifications.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic alterations are key factors in cervical cancer development alongside HPV infection.
- These alterations are potentially reversible, offering unique therapeutic avenues.
- Characterization of epigenetic changes may lead to novel prognostic biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic alterations in cervical cancer hold promise as biomarkers for clinical practice.
- Targeting epigenetic modifications could represent a new therapeutic strategy for cervical cancer.
- Further research is needed to translate these findings into routine clinical applications.
Related Concept Videos
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
4.2K
Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
X-chromosome...
4.2K
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
34.3K
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
34.3K
02:07Tumor Progression
7.8K
Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
7.8K
03:17Inheritance of Chromatin Structures
7.9K
Epigenetics is the study of inherited changes in a cell's phenotype without changing the DNA sequences. It provides a form of memory for the differential gene expression pattern to maintain cell lineage, position-effect variegation, dosage compensation, and maintenance of chromatin structures such as telomeres and centromeres. For example, the structure and location of the centromere on chromosomes are epigenetically inherited. Its functionality is not dictated or ensured by the underlying...
7.9K
01:25Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity
2.1K
Mutagenicity and carcinogenicity refer to the ability of drugs to cause genetic defects and induce cancer, respectively. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies agents into four groups based on their carcinogenic potential. Group 1 agents are known human carcinogens; group 2A agents are probably carcinogenic to humans; group 3 agents lack data to support their role in carcinogenesis; and group 4 includes agents for which data support that they are not likely to be...
2.1K
01:12Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions
6.3K
Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
6.3K