Epigenetics refers to dynamic and heritable modifications to the genome that occur independently of DNA sequence. Aberrant epigenetic alterations can lead to inappropriate onset of genetic expressions and promote tumorigenesis. As the epigenetic modifiers are susceptible to extrinsic factors and reversible, they are becoming promising targets in multiple cancer therapies.
Understanding Epigenetics in Cancer
Epigenetic mechanisms regulate gene transcription and genomic stability and maintain normal cell growth, development, and differentiation. However, epigenetic dysregulation can significantly contribute to the origin and progression of human diseases such as cancer.
The Role of Epigenetics in Cancer Therapy
Recent advancements in the rapidly evolving field of cancer epigenetics have shown extensive reprogramming of every component of the epigenetic machinery in cancer, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, nucleosome positioning, and noncoding RNAs. This knowledge is helping to both improve the selectivity of epigenetic therapies and tailor treatments to the characteristics of each patient.
The Promise of Epi-Drugs
Various epi-drugs have been developed and implicated in clinical use. The use of epi-drugs alone, or in combination with chemotherapy or immunotherapy, has shown compelling outcomes, including augmentation of anti-tumoral effects, overcoming drug resistance, and activation of host immune response.
Future Directions
The combination of epigenetic regulation and immunotherapy has been proved can relieve some of the limitations of single immunotherapy, which makes it a promising combination therapy partner for cancer immunotherapy. According to epigenetic synthetic lethality approaches, targeting synthetic lethal pairs with epigenetic mutations or using epigenetic inhibitors against cancers with “undruggable” mutations may be possible to expand the range of drug treatments and to improve the efficacy of some epigenetic inhibitors in solid tumors.
Epigenetic cancer therapy represents a promising new frontier in cancer treatment. By studying the epigenetic landscape of cancer cells and the immune cells they do battle with, researchers are identifying new epigenetic targets and treatment approaches. As our understanding of the complex interplay between genetics and epigenetics continues to grow, so too does our hope for more effective and personalized treatments for cancer.
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