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Author Spotlight: Epigenetic Modifications and Metabolic Rewiring as Targets for Cancer Therapy
07:20

Author Spotlight: Epigenetic Modifications and Metabolic Rewiring as Targets for Cancer Therapy

Published on: October 18, 2024

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Connections between metabolism and epigenetic modifications in cancer

Guangchao Wang1, Jingdong J Han1

  • 1Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Center for Quantitative Biology (CQB), Peking University, Beijing, China.

Medical Review (2021)
|September 19, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Cellular metabolism significantly influences epigenetic modifications, impacting gene expression and cell functions. Metabolic reprogramming in cancer alters epigenetic landscapes, offering potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular biology
  • Epigenetics
  • Cancer metabolism

Background:

  • Cellular metabolism and epigenetic modifications are intricately linked, affecting chromatin structure and gene expression.
  • Nutrient availability influences epigenetic maintenance, crucial for homeostasis, growth, and differentiation.
  • Cancer cells exhibit metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic alterations that drive tumor development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of metabolic reprogramming in regulating epigenetic modifications in cancer.
  • To highlight key metabolites involved in cancer-related epigenetic changes.
  • To explore the potential of targeting metabolic-epigenetic crosstalk for cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review summarizing current evidence on metabolic reprogramming and epigenetics in cancer.
  • Focus on key metabolites and their impact on epigenetic modifications.
  • Analysis of oncogenic signaling-driven metabolic changes.

Main Results:

  • Metabolic reprogramming alters epigenetic modifications through key metabolite levels (SAM, acetyl-CoA, α-KG, 2-HG, UDP-GlcNAc, lactate).
  • These metabolites dynamically regulate the epigenetic landscape in cancer cells.
  • Changes in metabolite abundance are driven by oncogenic signaling.

Conclusions:

  • Metabolic reprogramming is a critical factor in cancer development and progression.
  • Understanding the interplay between metabolism and epigenetics can reveal cancer mechanisms.
  • Targeting metabolic-epigenetic interactions presents a promising avenue for novel cancer therapies.
Keywords:
DNA methylationRNA m6Acancer metabolic reprogrammingepigenetic modificationshistone acetylationhistone methylation

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