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Mapping Non-Coding Epimutations in Breast Cancer: Advancing Epigenetics Towards Precision Medicine
Mohamed E Abdel Aziz1, Heba Momtaz2, Basel Mohamed2
1Department of Medical Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology, Misr University for Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt.
Sub-Cellular Biochemistry
|January 1, 2026
Summary
The noncoding genome, including noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), plays a critical role in breast cancer development and treatment resistance. Epigenetic modifications in these regions offer promising diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for personalized cancer care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Breast cancer is a major global health concern, with research expanding beyond protein-coding genes.
- The noncoding genome, encompassing various noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), is increasingly recognized for its role in tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance.
- Epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation and histone modifications regulate ncRNAs, influencing breast cancer progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively examine the role of the noncoding epigenome in breast cancer.
- To highlight current methodologies, molecular mechanisms, and translational potential of ncRNA-based epigenetic alterations.
- To identify future directions for personalized breast cancer care through noncoding epigenetics.
Main Methods:
- Review of high-throughput techniques such as whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS), ATAC-seq, and ChIP-seq.
- Analysis of epigenetic modifications (DNA methylation, histone modifications, m6A RNA methylation) affecting ncRNAs.
- Exploration of ncRNA-based epigenetic alterations in specific breast cancer subtypes like TNBC and HER2-positive tumors.
Main Results:
- Aberrant epigenetic modifications in noncoding regions can alter oncogene and tumor suppressor activity, contributing to breast cancer heterogeneity.
- Noncoding epimutations discovered via high-throughput sequencing hold clinical significance.
- ncRNA-based epigenetic alterations show potential as diagnostic biomarkers, prognostic indicators, and therapeutic targets.
Conclusions:
- The noncoding epigenome is crucial in breast cancer pathogenesis and presents opportunities for personalized medicine.
- Leveraging noncoding epigenetics requires further research to overcome challenges in functional element interpretation and clinical translation.
- Future directions focus on integrating noncoding epigenetics for tailored breast cancer treatment strategies.
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