The epigenomics of cancer.
Aberrant gene function and altered patterns of gene expression are key features of cancer. Growing evidence shows that acquired epigenetic abnormalities participate with genetic alterations to cause this dysregulation. Here, we review recent advances in understanding how epigenetic alterations participate in the earliest stages of neoplasia, including stem/precursor cell contributions, and discuss the growing implications of these advances for strategies to control cancer.
Jones
Peter A
PA
Department of Urology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology, USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA. jones_p@ccnt.usc.edu
Baylin
Stephen B
SB
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000235:genetics*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / Q000235:genetics*; D020868:Gene Silencing / Q000502:physiology; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism