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Phytocompounds targeting epigenetic modulations: an assessment in cancer
Aqsa Khan1, Asifa Khan1, Mohammad Aasif Khan1,2
1Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India.
Frontiers in Pharmacology
|April 10, 2024
Summary
Plant compounds offer a promising, reversible approach to target epigenetic changes in cancer. This review explores phytocompounds like apigenin and curcumin for cancer therapy by modulating DNA methylation and histone acetylation.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics and Molecular Oncology
- Phytochemistry and Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Epigenetic modifications (DNA methylation, histone acetylation, microRNAs) regulate gene expression and are implicated in cancer development.
- Aberrant epigenetic changes disrupt cellular processes, contributing to tumorigenesis, but are potentially reversible.
- Plants are rich sources of secondary compounds with therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review abnormal epigenetic alterations in human cancer.
- To discuss the efficacy of plant-derived compounds in mitigating these epigenetic signatures.
- To highlight ongoing clinical investigations and challenges of using phytocompounds in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of plant-derived compounds and their epigenetic targets in cancer.
- Analysis of specific phytocompounds (e.g., apigenin, berberine, curcumin, genistein, lycopene, quercetin) and their mechanisms.
- Evaluation of clinical trial data and therapeutic potential.
Main Results:
- Numerous plant compounds demonstrate the ability to target aberrant epigenetic modifications.
- Examples include apigenin (histone acetylation), berberine (DNA methylation), and curcumin (histone acetylation, epi-miRs).
- These phytocompounds show promise in reversing cancer-associated epigenetic changes.
Conclusions:
- Plant-derived compounds represent a viable therapeutic strategy for targeting reversible epigenetic alterations in cancer.
- Further clinical investigations are crucial to fully realize the potential of these phytocompounds in cancer treatment.
- Challenges and limitations in current research and application need to be addressed.
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