Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 17, 2026

Continuous Fluorescence-Based Endonuclease-Coupled DNA Methylation Assay to Screen for DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitors
06:07

Continuous Fluorescence-Based Endonuclease-Coupled DNA Methylation Assay to Screen for DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitors

Published on: August 5, 2022

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DNMT3A in cancer: from epigenetic writer to oncogenic driver

Thomas Dupas1,2, Enola Gautreau3,4, Josianne Clavel3,5

  • 1Azrieli Research Centre of Sainte-Justine University Hospital, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada. thomas.dupas@umontreal.ca.

Clinical Epigenetics
|April 16, 2026
PubMed

Insights

DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), particularly DNMT3A, are crucial in cancer development by altering gene expression through DNA methylation. Targeting DNMT3A offers a promising therapeutic strategy for various cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality despite therapeutic advancements.
  • Cancer cells exhibit altered gene expression, metabolism, and proliferation, influenced by epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation.
  • DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) are key enzymes in DNA methylation and are implicated in cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated review of DNMT3A-dependent DNA methylation in cancer pathophysiology.
  • To highlight the role of DNMT3A in key cancer traits and its potential as a therapeutic target.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on DNMT3A and DNA methylation in cancer.
  • Analysis of DNMT3A's role in cell proliferation, metabolic reprogramming, and drug resistance.

Main Results:

  • DNMT3A plays a critical role in de novo DNA methylation and is implicated in acute myeloid leukemia pathogenesis.
  • DNMT3A is centrally involved in regulating cancer cell proliferation, metabolic reprogramming, and drug resistance.
  • Epigenetic alterations, specifically DNA methylation orchestrated by DNMT3A, are fundamental to cancer development.

Conclusions:

  • DNMT3A is a significant factor in cancer pathophysiology and a promising therapeutic target.
  • Further research into DNMT3A's functions is essential for developing novel cancer treatments.
  • Targeting DNMT3A-mediated DNA methylation could offer new avenues for cancer therapy.
Keywords:
CancerDNA methylationDNA methyltransferase 3AEpigenetic

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