Epigenetic regulation and therapeutic approaches in cancer.
The interdependency between genetic and epigenetic regulatory processes renders cancer therapeutics and translational clinic possible, even though they remain difficult tasks considering all the evidence supporting a central role of progenitor-stem cells as a causative source of cellular transformation. In contrast to genetic alterations, epigenetic processes are potentially reversible allowing a better action of complementary therapeutic compounds. Here I would first describe the plethora of interconnected epigenetic processes and targets to then discuss several therapeutic strategies on the basis of different compounds. I conclude that the advent of new and specific epigenetic target drugs will certainly contribute to better treatments and to the development of predictive protocols in a next future.
Recillas-Targa
Félix
F
Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Departamento de Genética Molecular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 70-242, México 04510 DF, México. frecilla@ifc.unam.mx
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002843:Chromatin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D019175:DNA Methylation; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics*; D014411:Neoplastic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D002843:Chromatin