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Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer
07:50

Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer

Published on: September 18, 2020

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Navigating the DNA methylation landscape of cancer

Atsuya Nishiyama1, Makoto Nakanishi1

  • 1Division of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan.

Trends in Genetics : TIG
|June 14, 2021
PubMed

Insights

DNA methylation abnormalities, including hypomethylation and hypermethylation, are hallmarks of cancer. Aberrant DNA methylation, particularly targeting tumor suppressor genes, requires a reevaluation of its role in oncogenesis and therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics
  • Cancer Biology
  • Molecular Oncology

Background:

  • DNA methylation is crucial for cell identity and gene regulation.
  • Disruptions in DNA methylation contribute to diseases like cancer.
  • Cancer cells exhibit abnormal DNA methylation patterns, affecting gene expression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular mechanisms of DNA methylation abnormalities in cancer.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting aberrant DNA methylation.
  • To re-evaluate the classical model of DNA methylation's role in oncogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent genome-wide analyses.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms.
  • Discussion of therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • Cancer cells display genome-wide hypomethylation and site-specific hypermethylation.
  • Aberrant DNA methylation targets CpG islands in regulatory elements.
  • The classical model of tumor suppressor gene silencing needs reconsideration.

Conclusions:

  • DNA methylation abnormalities are central to cancer development.
  • Understanding these mechanisms offers therapeutic opportunities.
  • Further research is needed to refine models and develop treatments.
Keywords:
DNA methylationDNA methyltransferasecancerhistone modification

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