Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026
An Integrated Platform for Genome-wide Mapping of Chromatin States Using High-throughput ChIP-sequencing in Tumor Tissues
Published on: April 5, 2018
Targeting the cancer epigenome for therapy
Peter A Jones1, Jean-Pierre J Issa2, Stephen Baylin1,3
1Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, USA.
Abstract:
Next-generation sequencing has revealed that more than 50% of human cancers harbour mutations in enzymes that are involved in chromatin organization. Tumour cells not only are activated by genetic and epigenetic alterations, but also routinely use epigenetic processes to ensure their escape from chemotherapy and host immune surveillance. Hence, a growing emphasis of recent drug discovery efforts has been on targeting the epigenome, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, with several new drugs being tested and some already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The future will see the increasing success of combining epigenetic drugs with other therapies. As epigenetic drugs target the epigenome as a whole, these true 'genomic medicines' lessen the need for precision approaches to individualized therapies.
Insights
Cancer cells utilize epigenetic alterations for survival and immune evasion. Targeting the epigenome with new genomic medicines offers a promising therapeutic strategy, potentially reducing the need for highly individualized treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
- Genomics
Background:
- Over 50% of human cancers harbor mutations in chromatin organization enzymes.
- Tumor cells exploit epigenetic processes for chemotherapy resistance and immune evasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting the epigenome in cancer treatment.
- To discuss the role of epigenetic drugs in overcoming treatment resistance.
Main Methods:
- Review of next-generation sequencing data on cancer mutations.
- Analysis of epigenetic mechanisms in tumor progression and immune evasion.
- Examination of current and emerging epigenetic drug therapies.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic alterations are prevalent in human cancers.
- Epigenetic drugs, including those targeting DNA methylation and histone modifications, are increasingly important in cancer therapy.
- Combination therapies involving epigenetic drugs show future promise.
Conclusions:
- Targeting the epigenome represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment.
- Epigenetic drugs act broadly, potentially simplifying personalized medicine approaches.
- The future of cancer therapy will likely involve successful combinations of epigenetic drugs with other treatments.
More Related Videos
09:56Epigenetic Engineering of K562 Cells: Dual-Vector Episomal Strategy for Stable Targeted DNA Methylation using dCas9-DNMT3A and -HDAC1 Fusion Proteins
Published on: October 31, 2025
10:44In Vitro Selection of Engineered Transcriptional Repressors for Targeted Epigenetic Silencing
Published on: May 5, 2023
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
X-chromosome...
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
02:38Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...