Epigenetic alterations in the breast: Implications for breast cancer detection, prognosis and treatment.
Epigenetic alterations of the genome such as DNA promoter methylation and chromatin remodeling play an important role in tumorigenesis. Recent findings indicate epigenetic modifications as key factors in breast carcinogenesis. These modifications are quite appealing as targets for preventative care and therapeutics because of their potential for reversal. Future medical care for breast cancer patients will likely depend upon a better understanding of the roles epigenetic modifications play in carcinogenesis. Here, we discuss the importance of epigenetics in breast cancer detection, prognosis, and therapy with an emphasis on mechanisms and epigenetic contributions to field cancerization effects.
Integrated Biomedical Science Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Amy M
AM
Dworkin
Tim H-M
TH
Huang
Amanda Ewart
AE
Toland
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019313:BRCA1 Protein / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics; D019175:DNA Methylation; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D020868:Gene Silencing / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D025521:Tumor Suppressor Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D019313:BRCA1 Protein; C492913:BRCA1 protein, human; C411762:RASSF1 protein, human; D025521:Tumor Suppressor Proteins