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Updated: Jan 24, 2026
ATAC-Seq Optimization for Cancer Epigenetics Research
Published on: June 30, 2022
Epigenetic modifications of autophagy in cancer and cancer therapeutics
Chandra S Bhol1, Debasna P Panigrahi1, Prakash P Praharaj1
1Cancer and Cell Death Laboratory, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Sundergarh, Odisha, India.
Abstract:
Epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and miRNAs, have a significant role play in malignant cellular transformation and metastasis. On the other hand, autophagy has been reported to perform context-dependent roles in cancer; at times, it becomes lethal and abolishes tumorigenesis, whereas, at other instances, it protects cancer cells by providing a rescue mechanism under adverse conditions. Although epigenetics and autophagy are two important and independent cellular processes, various oncogenic and oncosuppressor proteins involve autophagy through epigenetic modifications and different signaling pathways, thereby regulating tumor growth and therapeutic response. Moreover, the importance of epigenetic modification of autophagy in cancer is reflected through its involvement in cancer stem cell maintenance, which in turn, contributes to tumor cell viability during dormancy leading to tumor recurrence. The effects of epigenetic modifications of autophagy in cancer is still ambiguous and less acknowledged; therefore, efforts have been made to understand its detail underlying mechanism to unveil new targets and avenues for better prognosis and diagnosis of cancer.
Insights
Epigenetic modifications influence cancer development and metastasis by altering autophagy, a process with dual roles in tumor progression. Understanding this interplay is crucial for developing new cancer diagnostics and treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Epigenetic alterations (DNA methylation, histone modifications, miRNAs) are key drivers of cancer malignancy and metastasis.
- Autophagy plays context-dependent roles in cancer, sometimes promoting cell death and other times aiding survival under stress.
- Epigenetic modifications can regulate autophagy, influencing tumor growth and response to therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the complex relationship between epigenetic modifications and autophagy in cancer.
- To investigate how epigenetic regulation of autophagy impacts cancer stem cell maintenance, dormancy, and recurrence.
- To identify novel therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers by understanding the mechanisms underlying epigenetic control of autophagy in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of existing literature on epigenetics, autophagy, and cancer.
- Analysis of signaling pathways and proteins linking epigenetic modifications to autophagy.
- Exploration of the role of epigenetic regulation of autophagy in cancer stem cells and tumor dormancy.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic modifications significantly impact autophagy, influencing cancer cell transformation, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance.
- Autophagy's role in cancer is modulated by epigenetic mechanisms, affecting cancer stem cell survival and tumor recurrence.
- The interplay between epigenetics and autophagy is critical for tumor viability during dormancy and contributes to treatment failure.
Conclusions:
- The epigenetic regulation of autophagy is a critical, yet underappreciated, factor in cancer progression.
- Further research into the mechanisms of epigenetic modification of autophagy is needed to uncover new therapeutic strategies.
- Understanding this crosstalk offers potential for improved cancer prognosis and diagnosis.
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