Epigenomics and ovarian carcinoma.
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among gynecological cancers. It is now recognized that in addition to genetic alterations, epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and nucleosome remodeling, play an important role in the development and progression of ovarian cancer by modulating chromatin structure, and gene and miRNA expression. Furthermore, epigenetic alterations have been recognized as useful tools for the development of novel biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, therapeutic prediction and monitoring of diseases. Moreover, new epigenetic therapies, such as DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors, have been found to be a potential therapeutic option, especially when used in combination with other agents. Here we discuss current developments in ovarian carcinoma epigenome research, the importance of the ovarian carcinoma epigenome for development of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and the current epigenetic therapies used in ovarian cancer.
Maldonado
Leonel
L
Department of Otolaryngology & Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA.
Hoque
Mohammad Obaidul
MO
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents