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Interplay between epigenetics and metabolism in oncogenesis: mechanisms and therapeutic approaches

C C Wong1, Y Qian2,3, J Yu1

  • 1Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.

Oncogene
|January 17, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Cancer cells exhibit intertwined epigenetic and metabolic changes. Understanding this link reveals new targets for cancer therapies, offering hope for improved treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Metabolomics
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Cancer cells display significant epigenetic and metabolic alterations.
  • Metabolic reprogramming influences epigenetic modifications, affecting DNA and histone enzymes.
  • Epigenetic regulation impacts metabolic gene expression, altering the metabolome.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on the interplay between epigenetics and metabolism in tumorigenesis.
  • To highlight molecular targets and therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent discoveries.
  • Analysis of the roles of epigenetic-metabolomic interplay in cancer development.
  • Summary of current therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic and metabolic pathways are closely linked in cancer.
  • This interplay is crucial for sustaining tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, and pluripotency.
  • Numerous molecular targets have been identified.

Conclusions:

  • The connection between epigenetics and metabolism offers promising therapeutic targets.
  • Targeting these abnormalities may lead to novel cancer treatment strategies.
  • Further research into small molecule and biologic inhibitors is warranted.

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