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An Integrated Platform for Genome-wide Mapping of Chromatin States Using High-throughput ChIP-sequencing in Tumor Tissues
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Recent advances in epigenetic anticancer therapeutics and future perspectives

Liwen Ren1,2, Yihui Yang1,2, Wan Li1,2

  • 1The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, China.

Frontiers in Genetics
|January 23, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetic drugs show promise in cancer treatment by regulating gene expression. Combining epigenetic therapies with other treatments may improve efficacy against solid tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Drug Development

Background:

  • Tumorigenesis involves altered gene expression, including oncogene upregulation and tumor suppressor gene downregulation.
  • Epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs regulate gene expression without changing DNA sequence.
  • Epigenetic drugs are emerging as a significant area in oncology drug development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the role of epigenetics in tumor progression.
  • To summarize the progress of epigenetic drugs in oncology.
  • To explore the synergy of epigenetic therapies with other cancer treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of epigenetic mechanisms in cancer.
  • Analysis of current epigenetic drug development status.
  • Examination of combination therapy strategies involving epigenetic drugs.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic drugs have shown efficacy in hematologic cancers but less so in solid tumors.
  • Epigenetic modulation is crucial for regulating gene expression during tumor development.
  • Combination therapies involving epigenetic drugs are a promising strategy to enhance efficacy and overcome resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic drugs represent a vital class of anticancer agents.
  • Further research into epigenetic drug development and combination therapies is warranted for solid tumors.
  • Epigenetic strategies hold significant potential for future cancer treatment paradigms.
Keywords:
cancercombined pharmacotherapyepigenetic drugepigeneticshistone

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