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DNA methylation aberrancies as a guide for surveillance and treatment of human cancers

Gangning Liang1, Daniel J Weisenberger2

  • 1a Department of Urology , University of Southern California, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center , Los Angeles , CA , USA.

Epigenetics
|March 31, 2017
PubMed

Insights

DNA methylation aberrancies drive human cancers through altered gene expression. DNA methylation inhibitors offer therapeutic potential, especially when combined with other cancer treatments to improve patient survival.

Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics and Cancer Biology
  • Molecular Oncology
  • Genomic Instability

Background:

  • DNA methylation aberrancies, including global hypomethylation and locus-specific hypermethylation, are key features of human cancers.
  • These epigenetic changes can lead to altered gene expression, silencing tumor suppressors and activating oncogenes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review DNA methylation aberrancies in human cancers.
  • To explore the role of DNA methylation in cancer surveillance and gene regulation.
  • To summarize the therapeutic potential of DNA methylation inhibitors in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on DNA methylation in cancer.
  • Analysis of the interplay between DNA methylation and histone modifications.
  • Summary of DNA methylation inhibitors and combination therapies.

Main Results:

  • DNA methylation changes are linked to altered expression of tumor suppressors, microRNAs, and oncogenes.
  • DNA methylation inhibitors show therapeutic effects and can be integrated with conventional therapies.
  • Combination strategies aim to restore normal epigenome states and enhance treatment sensitivity.

Conclusions:

  • DNA methylation plays a critical role in cancer development and progression.
  • DNA methylation inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic strategy, particularly in combination regimens.
  • Targeting the epigenome can improve patient outcomes and survival in cancer treatment.
Keywords:
CancerDNA demethylationDNA methylationDNA methylation inhibitors and epigenetic therapyDNA methyltransferaseTETchromatinhistone modification

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