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Characterization of Functionally Associated miRNAs in Glioblastoma and their Engineering into Artificial Clusters for Gene Therapy
Published on: October 4, 2019
Epigenetic frontiers: miRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and nanomaterials are pioneering to cancer therapy
Rajkumar Prabhakaran1, Rajkumar Thamarai2, Sivabalan Sivasamy1
1Central Research Facility, Santosh Deemed to be University, Ghaziabad, UP, India.
Abstract:
Cancer has arisen from both genetic mutations and epigenetic changes, making epigenetics a crucial area of research for innovative cancer prevention and treatment strategies. This dual perspective has propelled epigenetics into the forefront of cancer research. This review highlights the important roles of DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs, which are key regulators of cancer-related gene expression. It explores the potential of epigenetic-based therapies to revolutionize patient outcomes by selectively modulating specific epigenetic markers involved in tumorigenesis. The review examines promising epigenetic biomarkers for early cancer detection and prognosis. It also highlights recent progress in oligonucleotide-based therapies, including antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and antimiRs, to precisely modulate epigenetic processes. Furthermore, the concept of epigenetic editing is discussed, providing insight into the future role of precision medicine for cancer patients. The integration of nanomedicine into cancer therapy has been explored and offers innovative approaches to improve therapeutic efficacy. This comprehensive review of recent advances in epigenetic-based cancer therapy seeks to advance the field of precision oncology, ultimately culminating in improved patient outcomes in the fight against cancer.
Insights
Epigenetics, involving DNA methylation and RNA modifications, offers new avenues for cancer prevention and treatment. Epigenetic therapies and biomarkers show promise for early detection and improved patient outcomes in precision oncology.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cancer development involves genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations.
- Epigenetics is crucial for innovative cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
- Key epigenetic regulators include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in epigenetic-based cancer therapies.
- To explore the potential of epigenetic biomarkers for cancer detection and prognosis.
- To discuss novel therapeutic strategies like oligonucleotide-based therapies and epigenetic editing.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epigenetic mechanisms in cancer.
- Analysis of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and ncRNAs (miRNAs, lncRNAs).
- Examination of epigenetic therapies, biomarkers, and nanomedicine integration.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic modifications significantly regulate cancer-related gene expression.
- Epigenetic therapies hold potential to revolutionize patient outcomes.
- Promising epigenetic biomarkers exist for early cancer detection and prognosis.
- Oligonucleotide-based therapies (ASOs, antimiRs) and epigenetic editing offer precise modulation.
- Nanomedicine integration enhances therapeutic efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetics is central to precision oncology.
- Targeting epigenetic markers can improve cancer treatment and patient outcomes.
- Future research in epigenetic editing and nanomedicine will advance cancer therapy.
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