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Updated: Oct 10, 2025

Methylated DNA Immunoprecipitation
Published on: January 2, 2009
Pathogen-Induced Epigenetic Modifications in Cancers: Implications for Prevention, Detection and Treatment of Cancers
Alexandra Lindsey Djomkam Zune1, Charles Ochieng' Olwal1, Kesego Tapela1
1West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra LG 54, Ghana.
Abstract:
Cancer is a major public health burden worldwide. Tumor formation is caused by multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Many reports have demonstrated a positive correlation between the burden of infectious pathogens and the occurrence of cancers. However, the mechanistic link between pathogens and cancer development remains largely unclear and is subject to active investigations. Apart from somatic mutations that have been widely linked with various cancers, an appreciable body of knowledge points to alterations of host epigenetic patterns as key triggers for cancer development. Several studies have associated various infectious pathogens with epigenetic modifications. It is therefore plausible to assume that pathogens induce carcinogenesis via alteration of normal host epigenetic patterns. Thus, Africa with its disproportionate burden of infectious pathogens is threatened by a dramatic increase in pathogen-mediated cancers. To curb the potential upsurge of such cancers, a better understanding of the role of tropical pathogens in cancer epigenetics could substantially provide resources to improve cancer management among Africans. Therefore, this review discusses cancer epigenetic studies in Africa and the link between tropical pathogens and cancer burden. In addition, we discuss the potential mechanisms by which pathogens induce cancers and the opportunities and challenges of tropical pathogen-induced epigenetic changes for cancer prevention, detection and management.
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