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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.

Epigenetics
|January 7, 2017
PubMed

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.
Keywords:
CancerDNA methylationepigeneticsmicroRNAregulationtherapeutics

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