The interplay between oxidative stress and epigenetic reprogramming in cancer
Xuejiao Ma1, Wei Fan2,3, Tao Zhang4,5
1West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
International Journal of Cancer
|July 23, 2025
Summary
Oxidative stress and epigenetic reprogramming are key features of cancer. This review details how these processes influence each other, impacting cancer development and immune evasion.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Oxidative stress, an imbalance in cellular redox state, and epigenetic reprogramming, heritable gene expression changes without DNA alteration, are hallmarks of cancer.
- Growing evidence links oxidative stress to epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation, histone alterations, and non-coding RNA regulation.
- Epigenetic changes can also modulate oxidative stress by affecting mitochondrial function and antioxidant gene expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the intricate crosstalk mechanisms between oxidative stress and epigenetic reprogramming in cancer.
- To highlight the reciprocal regulatory roles of these processes in carcinogenesis.
- To elucidate their involvement in cancer immune escape.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on oxidative stress and epigenetics in cancer.
- Analysis of studies investigating the molecular links between redox balance and epigenetic machinery.
- Examination of evidence connecting these pathways to tumor initiation and immune evasion.
Main Results:
- Oxidative stress directly influences DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA expression, thereby altering cancer cell epigenomes.
- Epigenetic mechanisms, including mitochondrial DNA/RNA methylation and regulation of mitochondrial electron transport chain (Mito-ETC) genes, impact cellular oxidative stress levels.
- The interplay between oxidative stress and epigenetics is a significant driver of both cancer development and the ability of tumors to evade immune surveillance.
Conclusions:
- The bidirectional relationship between oxidative stress and epigenetic reprogramming is fundamental to cancer biology.
- Targeting this crosstalk offers potential therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment and overcoming immune resistance.
- Further research into these interconnected pathways is crucial for advancing cancer therapy.
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