Targeting the epigenetic machinery of cancer cells.
Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and the acquisition of metastatic properties. In most cases, the activation of oncogenes and/or deactivation of tumour suppressor genes lead to uncontrolled cell cycle progression and inactivation of apoptotic mechanisms. Although the underlying mechanisms of carcinogenesis remain unknown, increasing evidence links aberrant regulation of methylation to tumourigenesis. In addition to the methylation of DNA and histones, methylation of nonhistone proteins, such as transcription factors, is also implicated in the biology and development of cancer. Because the metabolic cycling of methionine is a key pathway for many of these methylating reactions, strategies to target the epigenetic machinery of cancer cells could result in novel and efficient anticancer therapies. The application of these new epigenetic therapies could be of utility in the promotion of E2F1-dependent apoptosis in cancer cells, in avoiding metastatic pathways and/or in sensitizing tumour cells to radiotherapy.
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology A, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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MF
Montenegro
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Sánchez-del-Campo
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology A, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
M P
MP
Fernández-Pérez
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology A, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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M
Sáez-Ayala
Translational Cancer Research Group, University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB), Murcia, Spain.
J
J
Cabezas-Herrera
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology A, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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Rodríguez-López
D000818:Animals; D019175:DNA Methylation; D057890:Epigenomics; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy*