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Updated: Jul 5, 2025

Author Spotlight: Epigenetic Modifications and Metabolic Rewiring as Targets for Cancer Therapy
Published on: October 18, 2024
Dysregulation of different modes of programmed cell death by epigenetic modifications and their role in cancer
R Damiescu1, T Efferth1, M Dawood1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, Mainz, Germany.
Abstract:
Modifications of epigenetic factors affect our lives and can give important information regarding one's state of health. In cancer, epigenetic modifications play a crucial role, as they influence various programmed cell death types. The purpose of this review is to investigate how epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, influence various cell death processes in suppressing or promoting cancer development. Autophagy and apoptosis are the most investigated programmed cell death modes, as based on the tumor stage these cell death types can either promote or prevent cancer evolution. Therefore, our discussion focuses on how epigenetic modifications affect autophagy and apoptosis, as well as their diagnostic and therapeutical potential in combination with available chemotherapeutics. Additionally, we summarize the available data regarding the role of epigenetic modifications on other programmed cell death modes, such as ferroptosis, necroptosis, and parthanatos in cancer and discuss current advancements.
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