Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2025

In Vivo Inhibition of MicroRNA to Decrease Tumor Growth in Mice
Published on: August 23, 2019
Epigenetic Targets and Their Inhibitors in Thyroid Cancer Treatment
Ke Zhang1, Junyao Wang1, Ziyan He1
1Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, China.
Abstract:
Although biologically targeted therapies based on key oncogenic mutations have made significant progress in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic thyroid cancer, the challenges of drug resistance are urging us to explore other potentially effective targets. Herein, epigenetic modifications in thyroid cancer, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, chromatin remodeling and RNA alterations, are reviewed and epigenetic therapeutic agents for the treatment of thyroid cancer, such as DNMT (DNA methyltransferase) inhibitors, HDAC (histone deacetylase) inhibitors, BRD4 (bromodomain-containing protein 4) inhibitors, KDM1A (lysine demethylase 1A) inhibitors and EZH2 (enhancer of zeste homolog 2) inhibitors, are updated. We conclude that epigenetics is promising as a therapeutic target in thyroid cancer and further clinical trials are warranted.
Insights
Epigenetic modifications offer promising new therapeutic targets for thyroid cancer, addressing challenges posed by drug resistance to current treatments. Further clinical trials are essential to explore these novel epigenetic agents.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Biologically targeted therapies have advanced thyroid cancer treatment but face drug resistance.
- Exploring novel therapeutic targets is crucial for overcoming treatment limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review epigenetic modifications in thyroid cancer.
- To update on epigenetic therapeutic agents for thyroid cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of epigenetic mechanisms in thyroid cancer.
- Analysis of current epigenetic therapeutic agents and their targets.
Main Results:
- Key epigenetic modifications in thyroid cancer include DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, chromatin remodeling, and RNA alterations.
- Epigenetic agents such as DNMT inhibitors, HDAC inhibitors, BRD4 inhibitors, KDM1A inhibitors, and EZH2 inhibitors are discussed.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetics presents a promising therapeutic avenue for thyroid cancer.
- Further clinical investigations are warranted to validate the efficacy of epigenetic therapies.
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Eukaryotic Transcription Inhibitors
Eukaryotic transcription inhibitors usually contain two distinct domains, a...
Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The...
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
Targets for Drug Action: Overview
Receptors are either membrane-spanning or intracellular proteins, which upon binding a ligand, get activated and transmit the signal downstream to elicit a response. Drugs bind receptors, either mimicking the action of endogenous ligands or blocking the receptor activity to bring about a modified response. Nearly 35% of approved drugs target the G...
Inhibition of Cdk Activity

