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Epigenetic regulation of autophagy in gastrointestinal cancers

Saeid Ghavami1, Mozhdeh Zamani2, Mazaher Ahmadi3

  • 1Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Autophagy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Research Institute of Hematology and Oncology, Cancer Care Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada; Faculty of Medicine in Zabrze, University of Technology in Katowice, Academia of Silesia, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Molecular Basis of Disease
|August 5, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Targeting autophagy and epigenetics in gastrointestinal cancers (GICs) offers new therapeutic strategies. Understanding these links can help overcome chemoresistance and improve GIC treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Gastrointestinal cancers (GICs) require novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Autophagy plays a dual role in GIC progression, promoting survival or death.
  • Autophagy can inhibit early-stage GIC but induce chemoresistance in advanced stages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the intricate links between autophagy and epigenetics in GICs.
  • To explore how epigenetic mechanisms regulate autophagy in GICs.
  • To discuss the potential of targeting autophagy via epigenetic drugs to treat GICs and overcome chemoresistance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on the interplay of autophagy and epigenetics in GICs.
  • Analysis of epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation, histone modification, ncRNAs) influencing autophagy.
  • Examination of how epigenetic alterations affect cancer phenotypes and chemoresistance.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic regulation influences autophagy, impacting GIC progression and chemoresistance.
  • Epigenetic modifications can alter cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration.
  • Epidrugs show potential in modulating autophagy to enhance GIC treatment efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • The interplay between autophagy and epigenetics is crucial in GIC development and chemoresistance.
  • Targeting epigenetic regulation of autophagy presents a promising therapeutic avenue for GICs.
  • Further research into epidrugs modulating autophagy could lead to improved GIC treatment strategies.
Keywords:
AutophagyChemoresistanceEpigeneticsGastrointestinal neoplasmsTumorigenesis

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