DNA methyltransferase inhibitors: old and new drugs for an epigenetic cancer therapy.
The pharmacological inhibition of DNA methyltransferases provides novel opportunities for the therapy of human cancers. Several Phase III trials of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors have been completed successfully, but the efficacy of these compounds appears to be compromised by their lack of specificity. To address this issue, much work has been focused on defining the functional characteristics of human DNA methyltransferases. This knowledge will be essential for the design of a new generation of pharmacological inhibitors that target epigenetic processes.
Brueckner
Bodo
B
Research Group Epigenetics, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
Lyko
Frank
F
D000818:Animals; D004248:DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D019175:DNA Methylation / Q000187:drug effects; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics*
D004248:DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases