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Epigenetics in renal cell cancer: mechanisms and clinical applications

Sophie C Joosten1, Kim M Smits1,2, Maureen J Aarts1

  • 1Division of Medical Oncology, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands.

Nature Reviews. Urology
|June 6, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetic aberrations are common in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and are key to its development. These changes offer potential biomarkers for early detection and new therapeutic targets for this cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) exhibits few somatic mutations but frequent epigenetic aberrations.
  • Epigenetic reprogramming plays a crucial role in RCC development and progression.
  • Alterations include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA changes impacting key pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the significance of epigenetic alterations in RCC.
  • To explore their potential as biomarkers for early detection, prognosis, and treatment response.
  • To discuss their role as reversible therapeutic targets.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on epigenetic alterations in RCC.
  • Analysis of epigenetic changes in key signaling pathways (VHL-HIF, WNT, EMT).
  • Examination of the clinical implications of epigenetic biomarkers and therapies.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic alterations are prevalent in RCC, affecting critical signaling pathways.
  • These alterations are associated with disease progression and treatment outcomes.
  • Most epigenetic changes are potentially reversible, suggesting therapeutic potential.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic alterations are central to RCC pathogenesis and offer promising biomarker and therapeutic opportunities.
  • Clinical translation requires a deeper understanding of their mechanisms and current research.
  • While not yet in clinical practice, targeted epigenetic therapies are under investigation for RCC.

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