Histone methyltransferase and drug resistance in cancers

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Epigenetics
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Despite advances in novel anticancer drugs, cancer patient mortality remains high due to acquired drug resistance.
• Drug resistance mechanisms can involve epigenetic modifications, such as changes in gene expression without altering DNA sequence.
• Histone methyltransferases (HMTs) play a role in these epigenetic changes and have been implicated in cancer drug resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of how histone methyltransferases contribute to cancer drug resistance.
• To explore therapeutic strategies targeting histone methyltransferases to reverse or overcome drug resistance.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating histone methyltransferases and cancer drug resistance.
• Analysis of mechanisms by which HMTs influence drug resistance.
• Summary of therapeutic approaches targeting HMTs for cancer treatment.

Main Results:

• Histone methyltransferases are involved in regulating gene expression patterns that lead to drug resistance in various cancers.
• Targeting HMTs, through inhibition or other strategies, has shown potential in preclinical models to restore sensitivity to anticancer drugs.
• Specific HMTs have been identified as key players in resistance to different classes of chemotherapeutics.

Conclusions:

• Histone methyltransferases represent a critical target for overcoming cancer drug resistance.
• Inhibitors of histone methyltransferases offer a viable therapeutic avenue for enhancing the efficacy of existing anticancer treatments.
• Further research into HMTs and their role in drug resistance is crucial for developing next-generation cancer therapies.