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Updated: Jan 16, 2026
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An Integrated Platform for Genome-wide Mapping of Chromatin States Using High-throughput ChIP-sequencing in Tumor Tissues
Published on: April 5, 2018
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Epigenetic analysis in cancer research.
Lakshita Tyagi1, Umesh Kumar2, Shreeja Mishra1
1Department of Biosciences, IMS Ghaziabad University Courses Campus, NH9, Adhyatmik Nagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Methods in Cell Biology
|October 1, 2025
Summary
Epigenetic alterations, alongside genetic changes, drive cancer progression. Targeting these epigenetic mechanisms, like DNA methylation and histone modifications, offers promising new therapeutic strategies for various cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Cancer is the second deadliest disease, driven by genetic mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.
- Epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, significantly contribute to cancer development and progression.
- The interplay between genetic and epigenetic changes accelerates cancer spread and presents novel therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of epigenetic modifications in cancer.
- To discuss current and emerging epigenetic cancer therapies.
- To highlight the potential of targeting epigenetic regulators for improved cancer treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on cancer genetics and epigenetics.
- Analysis of epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation and histone modifications.
- Examination of therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic enzymes like DNMTs, HATs, and HDACs.
Main Results:
- Genetic changes (e.g., Philadelphia chromosome, Ras mutations) and epigenetic alterations (histone modifications, DNA methylation) are key drivers of cancer.
- Epigenetic drugs, including DNMT inhibitors (Decitabine, Azacytidine) and HDAC inhibitors (Panobistat, Vorinostat), are approved for certain blood cancers.
- Novel inhibitors targeting HATs, HDACs, demethylases, and histone methyltransferases show promise in limiting cancer cell proliferation.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic modifications are crucial in cancer progression and represent viable therapeutic targets.
- Epigenetic therapies offer a promising avenue for treating challenging cancers, with ongoing clinical trials assessing their efficacy and safety.
- Targeting epigenetic regulators provides hope for improved patient outcomes in oncology.
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