epigenetics in cancer

Genetic Modifications and Cancer Development

• Genetic modifications, including mutations and epigenetic alterations, play a crucial role in cancer development by disrupting normal cellular processes and leading to uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation.

Epigenetic Modifications

• Epigenetic modifications refer to chemical changes to DNA or histone proteins that can alter gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence.
• An example of an epigenetic modification is DNA methylation, where a methyl group is added to the cytosine residue in a CpG dinucleotide, leading to gene silencing.

Epi-Drugs and Cancer Cells

• Epi-drugs target cancer cells by reversing epigenetic alterations that contribute to cancer development, such as DNA demethylation and histone modification.
• Epi-drugs can inhibit the activity of enzymes involved in epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methyltransferases and histone deacetylases.

Epigenetic Abnormalities in Cancer Detection

• Epigenetic abnormalities, such as DNA methylation changes, can be used as biomarkers for cancer detection, as they can be detected in bodily fluids, such as blood or urine, and tissues.
• Epigenetic abnormalities can also be used to identify cancer subtypes and predict patient outcomes.

Targeting Epigenetic Abnormalities in Cancer Therapy

• The primary advantage of targeting epigenetic abnormalities in cancer therapy is that it can be a more targeted and selective approach compared to traditional chemotherapy, reducing harm to healthy cells.
• Targeting epigenetic abnormalities can also lead to the reactivation of tumor suppressor genes and the inhibition of oncogenes, ultimately reducing cancer cell growth and proliferation.