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Epigenetic Small-Molecule Modulators Targeting Metabolic Pathways in Cancer
Dipanwita Das1, Nandini Karthik1, Reshma Taneja2
1Department of Physiology and Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
Sub-Cellular Biochemistry
|October 27, 2022
Summary
Cancer progression involves metabolic changes and epigenetic alterations. Small molecules offer therapeutic potential by targeting the crosstalk between metabolism and epigenetics in tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Metabolic research
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Metabolic deregulation is a critical driver of cancer progression.
- Epigenetic modifications and metabolic reprogramming are closely linked in cancer development.
- Epigenetic modifiers influence metabolic enzyme expression, leading to metabolic aberrations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the intricate relationship between metabolic rewiring and the epigenetic landscape in tumorigenesis.
- To review recent advancements in targeting the epigenetic-metabolomic crosstalk for cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the interplay between epigenetics and metabolism in cancer.
- Analysis of small-molecule therapeutic strategies targeting this crosstalk.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic changes directly impact metabolic enzyme activity and expression.
- Metabolites and cofactors modulate the function of epigenetic regulators.
- Small molecules demonstrate promise in disrupting cancer-promoting epigenetic-metabolomic interactions.
Conclusions:
- The bidirectional crosstalk between metabolism and epigenetics is central to cancer.
- Targeting this epigenetic-metabolomic axis with small molecules represents a viable therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
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