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Epigenetic regulation of pyroptosis in cancer: Molecular pathogenesis and targeting strategies

Ruo-Nan Zhang1, Zhi-Qian Jing1, Lu Zhang1

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, China.

Cancer Letters
|September 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetics can regulate pyroptosis, a cell death process that may convert "cold tumors" to "hot tumors." Targeting epigenetic-regulated pyroptosis offers a promising new strategy for cancer immunotherapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Immune checkpoint blockade therapy has transformed cancer treatment but faces challenges from the tumor microenvironment (TME).
  • Immunosuppressive cells and molecules in the TME can limit the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
  • Pyroptosis, a programmed cell death, can potentially enhance anti-tumor immunity by altering the TME.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanism of pyroptosis in cancer.
  • To summarize the role of epigenetics in regulating pyroptosis.
  • To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic-regulated pyroptosis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on pyroptosis, epigenetics, and cancer immunotherapy.
  • Analysis of epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA.
  • Discussion of targeting strategies for epigenetic-regulated pyroptosis.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetics, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA, significantly regulates pyroptosis.
  • Epigenetic regulation of pyroptosis influences tumorigenesis and the tumor microenvironment.
  • Targeting epigenetic-regulated pyroptosis presents a novel therapeutic avenue.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic modulation of pyroptosis is a critical factor in cancer development and treatment response.
  • Targeting epigenetic-regulated pyroptosis holds significant potential for improving cancer immunotherapy efficacy.
  • Further research into epigenetic-regulated pyroptosis could lead to advanced cancer treatment strategies.
Keywords:
AcetylationCancerEpigeneticMethylationPyroptosis

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