Sixteenth Annual Pezcoller Symposium: stem cells and epigenesis in cancer.
In the postgenomic era of cancer biology, it is becoming increasingly evident that epigenetic controls of gene expression play an important role in determining the phenotype of cancer cells, also indicating the possibility of restoring epigenetically a normal phenotype in cancer cells. Related to these mechanisms of control and their dynamic changes during carcinogenesis and tumor progression are the phenomena determining the relationships between stem cells and cancer cells. This symposium focused on epigenetic mechanisms affecting cancer development and possibly providing a basis for intervention. The basic biology of stem cells and the relationships between stem cells and cancer were discussed. Epigenetic control mechanisms affecting gene expression with emphasis on DNA methylation and histone function were considered. Therapeutic strategies stemming from the knowledge acquired in the basic topics discussed also were outlined.
Mihich
Enrico
E
Pharmacology and Therapeutics Department, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York 14263, USA.
Jaenisch
Rudolf
R
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019175:DNA Methylation; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents