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Epigenetic Mechanisms of Breast and Ovarian Cancer Development: Interplay Between DNA Methylation/Demethylation

Svetlana S Lukina1, Irina V Pronina2, Alexander A Bril1

  • 1Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, 125315 Moscow, Russia.

Epigenomes
|July 24, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetic regulators like DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes, and non-coding RNAs are key in breast and ovarian cancers. Understanding their interactions reveals new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for hormone-dependent malignancies.

Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics and Cancer Biology
  • Molecular Oncology
  • Genomics and Transcriptomics

Background:

  • Epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation and non-coding RNA dysregulation, are fundamental to breast and ovarian cancer development.
  • DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes orchestrate crucial epigenetic modifications.
  • Non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs and lncRNAs, play significant roles in regulating gene expression within these cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To dissect the intricate regulatory networks involving DNMTs, TETs, and non-coding RNAs in breast and ovarian carcinogenesis.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these epigenetic modulators influence chromatin accessibility and transcriptional reprogramming.
  • To contrast the epigenetic profiles of breast and ovarian tumors and their impact on clinical outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and synthesis of current literature on epigenetic mechanisms in hormone-dependent malignancies.
  • Analysis of reciprocal regulatory networks between DNMTs, TETs, microRNAs, and lncRNAs.
  • Comparative analysis of epigenetic aberrations in breast versus ovarian tumors.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic modulators significantly alter chromatin accessibility and drive transcriptional reprogramming, promoting phenotypic plasticity in hormone-dependent cancers.
  • Distinct yet overlapping epigenetic profiles exist between breast and ovarian tumors, influencing patient prognosis.
  • These epigenetic elements demonstrate potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Conclusions:

  • Disruptions in epigenetic regulation are central to breast and ovarian carcinogenesis.
  • Targeting DNMTs, TETs, and non-coding RNAs offers promising avenues for novel epigenetical therapies.
  • Further research into these epigenetic networks can lead to improved diagnostics and personalized treatment strategies.
Keywords:
DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs)breast cancer (BC)long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs)microRNAs (miRNAs)ovarian cancer (OC)ten-eleven translocation enzymes (TET)

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