Work

The Clinical Application of Targeting Cancer through Histone Acetylation and Hypomethylation

Year: 2004

Type: article

Abstract: Methods of gene inactivation include genetic events such as mutations or deletions. Epigenetic changes, heritable traits that are mediated by changes in DNA other than nucleotide sequences, play an important role in gene expression. Two epigenetic events that have been associated with transcriptional silencing include methylation of CpG islands located in gene promoter regions of cancer cells and changes in chromatin conformation involving histone acetylation. Recent evidence demonstrates that these processes form layers of epigenetic silencing. Reversal of these epigenetic processes and up-regulation of genes important to prevent or reverse the malignant phenotype has therefore become a new therapeutic target in cancer treatment.

Source: Clinical Cancer Research

DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-03-0297

Authors: Jill Gilbert, Steve D. Gore, James G. Herman, Michael A. Carducci

Institutions: Louisiana State University, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center

Language: English

Topic: Epigenetics and DNA Methylation

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute