Epigenetic (De)regulation in Prostate Cancer
Chenxi Xu1,2, Shuai Zhao1,2, Ling Cai3,4
1Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
Abstract:
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a heterogeneous disease exhibiting both genetic and epigenetic deregulations. Epigenetic alterations are defined as changes not based on DNA sequence, which include those of DNA methylation, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling. Androgen receptor (AR) is the main driver for PCa and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) remains a backbone treatment for patients with PCa; however, ADT resistance almost inevitably occurs and advanced diseases develop termed castration-resistant PCa (CRPC), due to both genetic and epigenetic changes. Due to the reversible nature of epigenetic modifications, inhibitors targeting epigenetic factors have become promising anti-cancer agents. In this chapter, we focus on recent studies about the dysregulation of epigenetic regulators crucially involved in the initiation, development, and progression of PCa and discuss the potential use of inhibitors targeting epigenetic modifiers for treatment of advanced PCa.
Insights
Epigenetic alterations drive prostate cancer (PCa) progression and treatment resistance. Targeting these reversible epigenetic changes with inhibitors offers a promising strategy for advanced prostate cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Prostate cancer (PCa) is a complex disease with genetic and epigenetic alterations.
- Androgen receptor (AR) signaling drives PCa, and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a standard treatment.
- Resistance to ADT inevitably develops, leading to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on epigenetic regulator dysregulation in PCa.
- To discuss the role of epigenetic changes in PCa initiation, development, and progression.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of epigenetic inhibitors for advanced PCa.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on epigenetic alterations in prostate cancer.
- Analysis of the role of epigenetic regulators in PCa pathogenesis.
- Discussion of emerging epigenetic therapies for advanced prostate cancer.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone alterations, are crucial in PCa.
- Dysregulation of epigenetic factors contributes to ADT resistance and CRPC development.
- Epigenetic inhibitors show promise as novel therapeutic agents for advanced PCa.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic dysregulation is a key driver of prostate cancer progression and resistance.
- Targeting epigenetic modifications represents a promising therapeutic avenue for castration-resistant prostate cancer.
- Further research into epigenetic inhibitors could lead to improved treatments for advanced PCa.
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