Brain Tumors: Development, Drug Resistance, and Sensitization - An Epigenetic Approach
Sibaji Sarkar1,2,3, Tara Deyoung1, Hope Ressler2
1Division of Biotechnology, Quincy College, Quincy, MA, USA.
Epigenetics
|July 27, 2023
Summary
Paediatric and adult brain tumors differ in development and mutation rates, with epigenetics playing a key role in both. Combination epigenetic therapies offer a personalized medicine approach for improved treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Developmental Biology
- Cancer Epigenetics
Background:
- Paediatric and adult brain tumors exhibit distinct developmental trajectories and genetic landscapes.
- Epigenetic events, including histone modifications and DNA methylation, are hypothesized to drive cancer progenitor cell formation in both age groups.
- Adult brain tumors generally accumulate more mutations than paediatric tumors during progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To contrast the developmental aspects of paediatric and adult brain tumors.
- To explore the role of epigenetic modifications in regulating oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.
- To review current therapies, analyze drug resistance mechanisms, and propose a rationale for combination epigenetic therapies.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of developmental pathways in paediatric and adult brain tumors.
- Review of epigenetic mechanisms (histone modifications, DNA methylation) influencing gene expression.
- Analysis of therapeutic strategies and drug resistance in brain tumors.
- Conceptualization of a personalized combination therapy approach.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic events are crucial for initiating cancer progenitor cells in both paediatric and adult brain tumors.
- Differential regulation of gene transcription by epigenetic switches impacts oncogene and tumor suppressor gene expression.
- Current therapies face challenges with drug resistance, partly mediated by epigenetic mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic modifications play a significant, differential role in the development and progression of paediatric and adult brain tumors.
- Understanding epigenetic mechanisms is critical for overcoming drug resistance in brain tumor treatment.
- A personalized combination therapy integrating epigenetic drugs holds promise for future brain tumor management.
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