Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 24, 2025
08:40
Methyl-binding DNA capture Sequencing for Patient Tissues
Published on: October 31, 2016
8.8K
Molecular epigenetic dynamics in breast carcinogenesis
Aadrita Hazra1, Pritha Bose1, Priyashree Sunita2
1Division of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 835 215, India.
Archives of Pharmacal Research
|August 15, 2021
Summary
Epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation, histone modifications, and lncRNAs play a crucial role in breast cancer development. Understanding these epigenetic factors is key to developing targeted breast cancer treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women worldwide.
- Genetic mutations and pathway dysregulation are known drivers of breast cancer.
- Epigenetic mechanisms significantly influence breast cancer development and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of epigenetic mechanisms in breast carcinogenesis.
- To explore how DNA methylation, histone modifications, and lncRNAs impact oncogenic signaling pathways.
- To discuss factors influencing these epigenetic alterations in breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epigenetic mechanisms in breast cancer.
- Analysis of the interplay between epigenetics, genetic mutations, and signaling pathways.
- Discussion of individual factors affecting epigenetic modifications.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic alterations (DNA methylation, histone modifications, lncRNAs) directly impact gene transcription and protein function.
- These epigenetic changes influence key oncogenic signaling pathways (e.g., PI3K/AKT/mTOR, NOTCH).
- Epigenetics can precede or work in conjunction with genetic mutations to drive cancer.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic mechanisms are critical in breast carcinogenesis, often preceding genetic mutations.
- Targeting epigenetic pathways offers potential for novel breast cancer therapies.
- Further research into epigenetics is essential for advancing breast cancer treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
3.2K
Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
X-chromosome...
3.2K
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
31.7K
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
31.7K
01:25Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity
1.5K
Mutagenicity and carcinogenicity refer to the ability of drugs to cause genetic defects and induce cancer, respectively. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies agents into four groups based on their carcinogenic potential. Group 1 agents are known human carcinogens; group 2A agents are probably carcinogenic to humans; group 3 agents lack data to support their role in carcinogenesis; and group 4 includes agents for which data support that they are not likely to be...
1.5K
02:07Tumor Progression
6.7K
Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
6.7K
02:23Abnormal Proliferation
4.7K
Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the...
4.7K
02:38Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
7.2K
Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...
7.2K