Epigenetic modulators for brain cancer stem cells: Implications for anticancer treatment

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Cancer Biology
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Primary malignant brain tumors significantly impact morbidity and mortality, with poor prognoses despite current treatments.
• Cancer stem cells (CSCs) within tumors are identified as key drivers of tumor growth, progression, and relapse.
• CSC stemness features contribute to treatment resistance and therapeutic escape.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in targeting epigenetic modulators that promote and sustain brain tumor stem-like cells.
• To explore the potential of epigenetic-based therapies for brain tumors.
• To highlight the role of aberrant epigenetic machinery in CSC reprogramming and brain tumor progression.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature on epigenetic mechanisms in brain tumors and CSCs.
• Focus on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs (microRNAs) as epigenetic regulators.
• Examination of epigenetic-based drugs (epidrugs) targeting these mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Aberrant epigenetic machinery is crucial for brain tumor development and CSC maintenance.
• Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs, are targetable.
• Epigenetic modulators and epidrugs show potential for specifically targeting CSCs.

Conclusions:

• Reverting the cancer epigenome is a promising therapeutic strategy for brain tumors.
• Targeting CSCs via epigenetic modulation offers a novel approach to overcome treatment resistance and prevent relapse.
• Further research into epidrugs is warranted for effective brain tumor therapy.