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Updated: Mar 27, 2026
An Integrated Platform for Genome-wide Mapping of Chromatin States Using High-throughput ChIP-sequencing in Tumor Tissues
Published on: April 5, 2018
Epigenetic Therapeutics: A New Weapon in the War Against Cancer
Nita Ahuja1, Anup R Sharma1, Stephen B Baylin1
1Cancer Biology Program, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287;
Abstract:
The past 15 years have seen an explosion of discoveries related to the cellular regulation of phenotypes through epigenetic mechanisms. This regulation provides a software that packages DNA, without changing the primary base sequence, to establish heritable patterns of gene expression. In cancer, many aspects of the epigenome, controlled by DNA methylation, chromatin, and nucleosome positioning, are altered as one means by which tumor cells maintain abnormal states of self-renewal at the expense of normal maturation. Epigenetic and genetic abnormalities thus collaborate in cancer initiation and progression, as exemplified by frequent mutations in genes encoding proteins that control the epigenome. There is growing emphasis on using epigenetic therapies to reprogram neoplastic cells toward a normal state. Many agents targeting epigenetic regulation are under development and entering clinical trials. This review highlights the promise that epigenetic therapy, often in combination with other therapies, will become a potent tool for cancer management over the next decade.
Insights
Epigenetic mechanisms regulate gene expression and are altered in cancer, driving tumor progression. Epigenetic therapies aim to reprogram cancer cells and show promise for future cancer management.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Genetics
- Oncology
Background:
- Epigenetic mechanisms control gene expression without altering DNA sequence.
- Cancer cells exhibit altered epigenomes, including DNA methylation and chromatin modifications.
- Epigenetic and genetic abnormalities cooperate in cancer development and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of epigenetic mechanisms in cancer.
- To highlight the potential of epigenetic therapies in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent discoveries in epigenetic regulation and cancer.
- Analysis of the interplay between epigenetic and genetic factors in oncogenesis.
- Examination of current and developing epigenetic therapeutic agents.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic alterations are crucial for maintaining cancer cell self-renewal.
- Mutations in epigenome-regulating genes are common in cancer.
- Numerous epigenetic agents are in clinical trials for cancer treatment.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic therapy offers a promising strategy for cancer management.
- Combination therapies involving epigenetic agents are expected to be potent tools.
- Epigenetic reprogramming of neoplastic cells is a key therapeutic goal.
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