Cancer epigenetics
Cancer Epigenetics
Cancer epigenetics is the study of epigenetic modifications to the DNA of cancer cells that do not involve a change in the nucleotide sequence. Epigenetic alterations are as important as genetic mutations in a cell's transformation to cancer, and their manipulation holds great promise for cancer prevention, detection, and therapy.
Pronunciation
Can-cer Epi-gen-et-ics
Etymology
The term "cancer" comes from the Latin cancer meaning "crab", and "epigenetics" is derived from the Greek epi- meaning "over, above, outer", and -genetics referring to genes.
Overview
In the context of cancer, epigenetic alterations such as changes in DNA methylation and histone modification can result in the silencing of tumor suppressor genes or the activation of oncogenes, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and division. These changes can be passed on to daughter cells, contributing to the progression of cancer.
DNA Methylation
DNA methylation is a process by which methyl groups are added to the DNA molecule. In cancer, abnormal DNA methylation patterns are often observed. Hypomethylation can lead to the activation of oncogenes, while hypermethylation can result in the silencing of tumor suppressor genes.
Histone Modification
Histone modification is another form of epigenetic regulation. Histones are proteins that help package DNA into a compact, organized form. Modifications to these proteins can influence gene expression. In cancer, abnormal histone modifications can disrupt the normal regulation of gene expression, contributing to cancer development and progression.
Epigenetic Therapy
Epigenetic therapy is a new and rapidly evolving field. It involves the use of drugs or other epigenome-influencing techniques to treat disease. In the context of cancer, epigenetic therapy might be used to reverse the abnormal epigenetic marks associated with cancer, potentially restoring normal control of cell growth and division.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cancer epigenetics
- Wikipedia's article - Cancer epigenetics
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