Targeting the interplay between metabolism and epigenetics in cancer

Metabolic perturbation is a hallmark of cancer favoring tumor progression. It is now demonstrated that cell metabolism has an impact on gene expression through epigenetic modifications. In this review, we expose recent evidences of metabolic-driven epigenetic perturbations in cancer and subsequent therapeutic opportunities.

The intimate link between metabolism and epigenetics and its rewiring in carcinogenesis is a hot topic. Chromatin-modifying enzymes involved in the dynamics of methylation or acetylation require small metabolites as cofactors or substrates, thus orchestrating the integration between epigenetic and transcriptional states. Mutations in metabolic enzymes such as isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 cause the accumulation of metabolites that upset the balance of histone and DNA methylation, thus generating widespread deregulation of epigenetically controlled gene expression. Additionally, modifications of catalytic activity and subcellular localization of metabolic enzymes in cancer can impact on epigenetic modifications and gene expression programs to favor tumor progression.

The interplay between metabolism and epigenetics and its molecular characterization in cancer cells identifies potential targets for the development of new therapies.