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Recent findings on epigenetic gene abnormalities involved in uterine cancer

Megumi Yanokura1, Kouji Banno1, Yusuke Kobayashi1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.

Molecular and Clinical Oncology
|November 29, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetic abnormalities, like abnormal methylation, silence genes in uterine cancer. Reversing these epigenetic changes offers a promising therapeutic strategy for uterine cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Gynecologic Oncology
  • Cancer Epigenetics
  • Molecular Oncology

Background:

  • Epigenetic abnormalities, distinct from DNA sequence changes, are implicated in carcinogenesis.
  • Aberrant methylation of genes controlling key cellular processes (apoptosis, cell cycle, DNA repair, proliferation, adhesion) leads to gene silencing in uterine cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of epigenetic alterations in uterine cancer.
  • To review current and emerging therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic modifications for uterine cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of studies on epigenetic abnormalities in uterine cancer.
  • Analysis of potential prognostic markers, such as 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels.
  • Evaluation of therapeutic approaches including demethylating agents, combination therapies (5-azacytidine and cisplatin), and targeting specific pathways (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand).

Main Results:

  • Lower levels of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in cervical cancer tissues suggest its potential as a prognostic marker.
  • Demethylating agents can reactivate tumor suppressor genes and inhibit proliferation.
  • Combination therapies show promise in treating uterine cancers.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic modifications are crucial in uterine cancer development and progression.
  • Targeting epigenetic alterations presents a viable therapeutic avenue for uterine cancers.
  • Biomarker detection for epigenetic changes can aid in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection.
Keywords:
DNA methyltransferasecervical cancerendometrial cancerepigeneticshistone deacetylases

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