Epigenomics in Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia
Antonio Sacco1, Adriano Fenotti2, Stefano Bazzana3
1ASST Spedali Civili, Department of Medical Oncology, CREA Laboratory, Brescia, Italy; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Medical Oncology, Boston, MA, USA.
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Haematology
|November 10, 2016
Summary
Epigenomic alterations, including aberrant histone hypoacetylation and microRNA dysregulation, are implicated in Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia. These findings suggest potential therapeutic strategies targeting these epigenetic modifications for this incurable B-cell lymphoma.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics and Molecular Biology
- Hematology and Oncology
Background:
- Epigenomics studies gene expression changes without altering DNA sequence, involving mechanisms like DNA methylation and histone acetylation.
- Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia (WM) is a rare, incurable B-cell lymphoma characterized by lymphoplasmacytic cells and monoclonal IgM, with a median survival of 5-6 years.
- Disease progression is the primary cause of mortality in WM patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of epigenomic alterations in Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia.
- To investigate the potential of targeting epigenetic modifications for WM treatment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of epigenomic changes in WM cells.
- Investigating the role of microRNAs in histone hypoacetylation.
Main Results:
- WM cells exhibit aberrant histone hypoacetylation.
- MicroRNA deregulation may contribute to histone hypoacetylation in WM.
- These epigenetic changes suggest potential therapeutic targets.
Conclusions:
- Aberrant histone hypoacetylation and microRNA dysregulation are key features of WM.
- Histone deacetylase inhibitors and microRNA-based therapies show promise for treating WM.
- Further research into epigenomic therapies could improve outcomes for WM patients.
