Biology and Medicine

Epigenetic Modifications and Their Impact on Cancer Development

Karolina Louvanto^* Department of Oncology, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
^*Correspondence: Karolina Louvanto, Department of Oncology, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland, Email:

Received: 27-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. BLM-23-21232; Editor assigned: 31-Mar-2023, Pre QC No. BLM-23-21232(PQ); Reviewed: 14-Apr-2023, QC No. BLM-23-21232; Revised: 21-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. BLM-23-21232(R); Published: 28-Apr-2023, DOI: 10.35248/0974-8369.23.15.557

Description

Genetic and epigenetic events play a critical role in the initiation and progression of cancer. The intricate process of carcinogenesis cannot be solely attributed to genetic mutations and also involves epigenetic alterations. This is the study of mechanisms that modify gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence. These mechanisms are both heritable and reversible, and they encompass DNA methylation, histone modifications, and small noncoding microRNAs (miRNAs). Dysregulation of epigenetic processes can lead to the aberrant function of genes and the malignant transformation of cells. Abnormal epigenetic modifications are likely to occur early in the development of cancer and are widely recognized as key players in cancer progression. These modifications refer to changes in the gene expression patterns of cells that do not involve alterations in the underlying DNA sequence. These modifications are essential for normal cellular function, but they can also contribute to the development and progression of cancer. DNA methylation involves the addition of a methyl group to cytosine residues in the DNA sequence, which can inhibit gene expression. Histone modifications refer to changes in the proteins that package DNA in cells, known as histones. These modifications can alter the accessibility of the DNA to transcription factors, thus regulating gene expression. Noncoding RNA molecules, including microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs, can also regulate gene expression by binding to messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules and inhibiting their translation into protein.

Epigenetic modifications can play a critical role in cancer development by altering the expression of genes involved in cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. For example, DNA methylation of tumor suppressor genes, which normally inhibit cell growth and proliferation, can silence their expression, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer development. Similarly, histone modifications can activate or silence genes involved in cell growth and differentiation, which can contribute to cancer development. These can also contribute to the development of drug resistance in cancer cells. For example, chemotherapy drugs that target rapidly dividing cancer cells can induce DNA damage and activate DNA repair mechanisms. These repair mechanisms can lead to changes that promote drug resistance by altering the expression of genes involved in drug metabolism and transport. Additionally, they can alter the expression of genes involved in immune surveillance, which can contribute to the evasion of cancer cells from immune recognition and destruction. The role of these modifications in cancer development has led to the development of epigenetic therapies for cancer treatment. These therapies aim to reverse changes that contribute to cancer development and progression by restoring normal gene expression patterns. One example of an epigenetic therapy is DNA demethylating agents, which can reverse DNA methylation of tumor suppressor genes and restore their expression. Histone deacetylase inhibitors, which prevent the removal of acetyl groups from histones and promote gene expression, have also shown promise as cancer treatments. However, these therapies are not without their limitations. One significant challenge is the specificity of these therapies for cancer cells, as epigenetic modifications are also essential for normal cellular function. Therefore, epigenetic therapies may have off-target effects that can lead to unwanted side effects. Additionally, the heterogeneity of cancer cells can pose a challenge to the effectiveness of these therapies, as different cells within a tumor may have different epigenetic modifications that contribute to their growth and survival.