Epigenetic Mechanisms beyond Tumour-Stroma Crosstalk
Teresa Gagliano1, Claudio Brancolini1
1Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy.
Abstract:
Despite cancer having been usually considered the result of genetic mutations, it is now well established that epigenetic dysregulations play pivotal roles in cancer onset and progression. Hence, inactivation of tumour suppressor genes can be gained not only by genetic mutations, but also by epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone modifications. To occur, epigenetic events need to be triggered by genetic alterations of the epigenetic regulators, or they can be mediated by intracellular and extracellular stimuli. In this last setting, the tumour microenvironment (TME) plays a fundamental role. Therefore, to decipher how epigenetic changes are associated with TME is a challenge still open. The complex signalling between tumour cells and stroma is currently under intensive investigation, and most of the molecules and pathways involved still need to be identified. Neoplastic initiation and development are likely to involve a back-and-forth crosstalk among cancer and stroma cells. An increasing number of studies have highlighted that the cancer epigenome can be influenced by tumour microenvironment and vice versa. Here, we discuss about the recent literature on tumour-stroma interactions that focus on epigenetic mechanisms and the reciprocal regulation between cancer and TME cells.
Insights
Epigenetic dysregulations, not just genetic mutations, drive cancer. The tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly influences these epigenetic changes, highlighting a complex interplay crucial for cancer progression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Cancer development is increasingly linked to epigenetic dysregulations, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, alongside genetic mutations.
- Epigenetic changes can be triggered by genetic alterations or by stimuli, with the tumor microenvironment (TME) playing a critical role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the intricate relationship between epigenetic mechanisms and the tumor microenvironment (TME) in cancer.
- To review recent literature on tumor-stroma interactions focusing on reciprocal epigenetic regulation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on tumor-stroma interactions.
- Analysis of research focusing on epigenetic mechanisms in cancer development and progression.
- Investigation of reciprocal regulation between cancer cells and the TME.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic dysregulations, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, are pivotal in cancer onset and progression.
- The tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly influences cancer epigenetics, and vice versa.
- Complex signaling and crosstalk between tumor and stroma cells are fundamental to neoplastic development.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the interplay between the TME and cancer epigenetics is crucial for deciphering cancer development.
- Further research is needed to identify molecules and pathways involved in tumor-stroma epigenetic crosstalk.
- Epigenetic modifications are a key area for understanding cancer biology and TME interactions.
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