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Updated: Jan 10, 2026
Continuous Fluorescence-Based Endonuclease-Coupled DNA Methylation Assay to Screen for DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitors
Published on: August 5, 2022
Mutual regulation of microRNAs and DNA methylation in human cancers
Sumei Wang1,2, Wanyin Wu1, Francois X Claret2,3
1a Department of Oncology , Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine , Guangzhou, Guangdong , P. R. China.
Abstract:
microRNAs (miRNAs) and DNA methylation are the 2 epigenetic modifications that have emerged in recent years as the most critical players in the regulation of gene expression. Compelling evidence has indicated the roles of miRNAs and DNA methylation in modulating cellular transformation and tumorigenesis. miRNAs act as negative regulators of gene expression and are involved in the regulation of both physiologic conditions and during diseases, such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, and psychiatric disorders, among others. Meanwhile, aberrant DNA methylation manifests in both global genome changes and in localized gene promoter changes, which influences the transcription of cancer genes. In this review, we described the mutual regulation of miRNAs and DNA methylation in human cancers. miRNAs regulate DNA methylation by targeting DNA methyltransferases or methylation-related proteins. On the other hand, both hyper- and hypo-methylation of miRNAs occur frequently in human cancers and represent a new level of complexity in gene regulation. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms underlying the mutual regulation of miRNAs and DNA methylation may provide helpful insights in the development of efficient therapeutic approaches.
Insights
microRNAs (miRNAs) and DNA methylation are key epigenetic regulators influencing gene expression and cancer development. Their mutual regulation in human cancers offers potential for novel therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- microRNAs (miRNAs) and DNA methylation are critical epigenetic regulators of gene expression.
- Both miRNAs and DNA methylation play significant roles in cellular transformation and tumorigenesis.
- Aberrant DNA methylation affects gene transcription, influencing cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the intricate mutual regulation between miRNAs and DNA methylation in human cancers.
- To explore how miRNAs influence DNA methylation processes.
- To examine the implications of miRNA methylation in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on epigenetic mechanisms in cancer.
- Analysis of studies detailing miRNA-DNA methylation interactions.
- Synthesis of current research on gene regulation in human cancers.
Main Results:
- miRNAs regulate DNA methylation by targeting DNA methyltransferases and related proteins.
- Both hypermethylation and hypomethylation of miRNAs are prevalent in human cancers.
- This interplay introduces complexity to gene regulation in oncogenesis.
Conclusions:
- The bidirectional regulation between miRNAs and DNA methylation is crucial in human cancers.
- Understanding these mechanisms can lead to the development of targeted cancer therapies.
- Further research into miRNA methylation patterns may reveal new therapeutic avenues.
