Epigenetic inactivation of DNA repair in breast cancer.
The study of epigenetic mechanisms in cancer, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, has revealed a plethora of events that contribute to cancer through stable changes in the expression of genes critical to transformation pathways. In this mini review we look at the different epigenetic modifications prevalent in this neoplastic phenotype, focusing on breast cancer. Most encouragingly, research in epigenetics has led to improved survival of patients with certain forms of lymphoma and leukemia through the use of drugs that alter DNA methylation and histone acetylation. Thus, we look at the clinical utility of targeting epigenetic pathways. In addition, we explore numerous other clinical applications of epigenetics, in areas such as cancer screening and early detection, prevention, classification for epidemiology and prognostic purposes, and predicting outcomes after standard therapy.
Department of Radiation Oncology, Hazelrig-Salter Radiation Oncology Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
Somaira
S
Nowsheen
Khaled
K
Aziz
Phuoc T
PT
Tran
Vassilis G
VG
Gorgoulis
Eddy S
ES
Yang
Alexandros G
AG
Georgakilas
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D004249:DNA Damage; D019175:DNA Methylation; D004260:DNA Repair; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005260:Female; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006657:Histones / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000378:metabolism; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D010641:Phenotype; D057285:Precision Medicine; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D006657:Histones; D035683:MicroRNAs