An overview of epigenetics and chemoprevention.
It is now appreciated that both genetic alteration, e.g. mutations, and aberrant epigenetic changes, e.g. DNA methylation, cause cancer. Epigenetic dysregulation is potentially reversible which makes it attractive as targets for cancer prevention. Synthetic drugs targeting enzymes, e.g. DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase, that regulate epigenetic patterns are active in clinical settings. In addition, dietary factors have been suggested to have potential to reverse aberrant epigenetic patterns. Uncovering the human epigenome can lead us to better understand the dynamics of DNA methylation in disease progression which can further assist in cancer prevention.
Human Cancer Genetics Program, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States. yi-wen.huang@osumc.edu
Yi-Wen
YW
Huang
Chieh-Ti
CT
Kuo
Kristen
K
Stoner
Tim H-Y
TH
Huang
Li-Shu
LS
Wang
D018890:Chemoprevention / Q000379:methods*; D057890:Epigenomics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological