Biological and clinical significance of epigenetic alterations in B-cell lymphomas

Recent advances in genetic analysis of hematopoietic tumors have led to the discovery of enzyme abnormalities that control epigenetic changes. Notably, genetic mutations associated with DNA methylation and histone modifications have been identified in B-cell malignant lymphomas, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. Gene expression involved in B lymphocyte differentiation and maturation within the germinal center (GC) is regulated epigenetically in these lymphomas, and epigenetic alterations play critical roles in the pathogenesis of GC-driven lymphomas. Recent studies also indicate the importance of epigenetic alterations as biomarkers and therapeutic targets, suggesting that they will have a central role in developing precision medicine for patients with GC-driven lymphomas.