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Interplay between epigenetic abnormalities and deregulated expression of microRNAs in cancer

Ammad Ahmad Farooqi1, Enrique Fuentes-Mattei2, Sundas Fayyaz3

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Rashid Latif Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan.

Seminars in Cancer Biology
|February 12, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetic changes and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are key in cancer. This review explores their complex interplay, including how ncRNAs affect gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Epigenetic abnormalities and aberrant non-coding RNA (ncRNA) expression are hallmarks of cancer.
  • These factors contribute to the deregulation of gene expression critical for tumorigenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the intricate interplay between epigenetic modifications and ncRNAs in cancer.
  • To elucidate mechanisms of epigenetic silencing/activation of microRNAs (miRNAs) and miRNA-mediated epigenetic alterations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating epigenetic regulation of ncRNAs and vice versa.
  • Analysis of specific themes including miRNA epigenetic silencing, activation, and miRNA-induced epigenetic changes.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic mechanisms silence tumor suppressor miRNAs and activate oncogenic miRNAs.
  • miRNAs themselves can induce epigenetic aberrations, further promoting cancer progression.
  • Naturally occurring compounds can modulate miRNA expression via epigenetic pathways.

Conclusions:

  • The crosstalk between epigenetics and ncRNAs is a critical determinant of cancer gene expression.
  • Targeting these interactions offers potential therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
Keywords:
Epigenetic regulationNon-coding RNAsmiRNAs

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