title: Epigenetic changes in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours.
abstract: An understanding of epigenetic drivers of tumorigenesis has developed rapidly during the last years. The identification of these changes including DNA methylation and histone modifications in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NETs) is a step forward in trying to define underlying biologic processes in this heterogeneous disease. The reversible nature of these changes represents a potential therapeutic target. We present an overview of the current knowledge of epigenetic alterations related to GEP-NETs, focusing on the influence and impact these changes have on pathogenesis and prognosis. The potential role of demethylating agents in the management of this patient population is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mapelli
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: E O
authors.initials: EO
authors.lastname: Aboagye
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stebbing
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sharma
mesh_terms: D042002:Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly; D018899:CpG Islands; D000076123:DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1; D004248:DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D019175:DNA Methylation; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics*; D019942:Genes, p16; D056572:Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000502:physiology; D018358:Neuroendocrine Tumors / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics*; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics*; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D025521:Tumor Suppressor Proteins / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D056572:Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors; D035683:MicroRNAs; C411762:RASSF1 protein, human; D025521:Tumor Suppressor Proteins; D000076123:DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1; D004248:DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases