Targeting DNA methyltransferase in cancer.
DNA methyltransferase is an enzyme responsible for generating and maintaining DNA methylation patterns. DNA methylation patterns control different genome functions, thus they are an important component of the epigenetic information. It has been recently postulated that DNA methyltransferase plays an important role in oncogenesis and that it is a candidate target for anticancer therapy. This commentary discusses the possible mechanisms through which DNA methyltransferase participates in oncogenesis and the rationale for targeting it in cancer.
Department of Pharmacology, McGill University, Montreal, PQ, Canada. mszyf@pharma.mcgill.ca
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D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division / Q000235:genetics; D019175:DNA Methylation / Q000187:drug effects*; D015254:DNA Modification Methylases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D015254:DNA Modification Methylases