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Updated: Jan 25, 2026

Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers
10:28

Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers

Published on: September 20, 2018

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Commonly integrated epigenetic modifications of differentially expressed genes lead to adaptive resistance in cancer

Abdullah Al Emran1,2, Diego M Marzese3, Dinoop R Menon3

  • 1Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.

Epigenomics
|May 10, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Cancer cells develop drug resistance through epigenetic changes. This study reveals a

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Cancer Biology

Background:

  • Acquired cancer drug resistance poses a significant clinical challenge.
  • Epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in cancer progression and treatment response.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the integrated epigenetic mechanisms underlying acquired cancer drug resistance.
  • To identify common gene signatures and epigenetic alterations associated with drug tolerance and resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Integrated analysis of gene expression data from multiple drug-tolerant and resistant cancer models.
  • Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) to assess histone modifications (H3K4me3, H3K9me3).
  • DNA methylation analysis using the HM450K beadchip assay.

Main Results:

  • A common 'viral mimicry' gene signature was identified in both drug-tolerant and resistant cancer states.
  • Epigenetic analysis revealed down-regulation of specific genes associated with tumor suppressor and apoptotic signaling.
  • These gene expression changes were linked to decreased H3K4me3, increased H3K9me3, and elevated DNA methylation.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic dysregulation, including altered histone marks and DNA methylation, contributes to acquired cancer drug resistance.
  • The identified 'viral mimicry' signature and associated epigenetic changes represent potential therapeutic targets for overcoming drug resistance.
Keywords:
DNA methylationIDTCLINE-1adaptive resistancedifferentially expressed genesepigenetic remodelinginduced drug-tolerant cellrepressive histone marksviral mimicry

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