[Cancer epigenetics].
Knowledge regarding molecular events of cancer development has been rapidly accumulated during the last decade. The discovery of tumor suppressor gene-silencing by aberrant promoter CpG island hypermethylation and histone-directed chromatin remodeling has led epigenetics to its recognition as an important alternative mechanism for carcinogenesis. Epigenetics does not involve changes in nucleotide sequences, but it affects on genetic composition in many ways. Cancer cells integratively co-opt genetic and epigenetic mechanisms to acquire different aspects of carcinogenetic phenotypes. Since epigenetic changes can be reversed with relative ease, the research of cancer epigenetics provides great potential for new therapeutic regimens.
Chang
Dong Kyung
DK
GI Cancer Research Lab, Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75246, USA. dongc@BaylorHealth.edu
D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D018899:CpG Islands / Q000235:genetics; D019175:DNA Methylation; D020868:Gene Silencing; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor; D018392:Genomic Imprinting; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic