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Epigenetics of pituitary tumors: Pathogenetic and therapeutic implications

Shereen Ezzat1, Sonia Cheng1, Sylvia L Asa2

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, The Endocrine Oncology Site Group, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and The Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
|July 17, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Genetic mutations are rare in sporadic pituitary tumors. Epigenetic changes like DNA methylation and altered miRNA expression are key drivers, offering new therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Sporadic pituitary tumors often lack common genetic mutations in oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes.
  • Epigenetic alterations are increasingly recognized as significant factors in pituitary tumor development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence on epigenetic alterations in human sporadic pituitary tumors.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms of pituitary tumorigenesis driven by epigenetic changes.
  • To highlight potential therapeutic strategies based on these findings.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating epigenetic modifications in pituitary tumors.
  • Analysis of data on DNA methylation patterns.
  • Examination of histone modifications and microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles.

Main Results:

  • Frequent epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, are observed in sporadic pituitary tumors.
  • Enhanced microRNA (miRNA) expression is a common finding, suggesting its role in tumorigenesis.
  • These epigenetic changes provide insights into the molecular pathways driving tumor formation.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic dysregulation, rather than genetic mutations, is a primary mechanism in sporadic pituitary tumorigenesis.
  • Understanding these epigenetic alterations opens avenues for novel therapeutic interventions.
  • Targeting epigenetic modifications may offer a promising strategy for pituitary tumor treatment.
Keywords:
DNA methylationHistone modificationIkarosMAGEmiRNA

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