UHRF1 as an epigenetic therapeutic target in Cancer

UHRF1 (ubiquitin-like with PHD and RING finger domains 1) is a multi-domain epigenetic regulator that integrates DNA methylation, histone modification, and ubiquitin signaling. Its overexpression is consistently observed across diverse cancers, where it silences tumor suppressor genes, stabilizes oncogenic proteins, and rewires metabolic and stress pathways, thereby driving tumor progression and therapy resistance. Targeting UHRF1 offers a domain-specific and context-dependent strategy distinct from global demethylation, reducing off-target toxicity and providing a refined therapeutic window. Natural compounds such as flavonoids, berberine, and thymoquinone, as well as synthetic inhibitors of reader domains, proteasomal degraders, and RNA-based approaches, have demonstrated potential to disrupt UHRF1 function. UHRF1 inhibition may also synergize with DNMT or HDAC inhibitors, immune checkpoint blockade, and ferroptosis inducers. Current evidence supports UHRF1 as both a biomarker and a promising druggable target for next-generation epigenetic cancer therapies.