Epigenomics in cancer management

Fabricio F CostaCancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Children’s Memorial Research Center and Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, 2430 N. Halsted St, Box 220, Chicago, IL, USAAbstract: The identification of all epigenetic modifications implicated in g...

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Main Author: Fabricio F Costa
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Dove Medical Press 2010-10-01
Series:Cancer Management and Research
Online Access:http://www.dovepress.com/epigenomics-in-cancer-management-a5547
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author Fabricio F Costa
author_facet Fabricio F Costa
author_sort Fabricio F Costa
collection DOAJ
description Fabricio F CostaCancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Children’s Memorial Research Center and Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, 2430 N. Halsted St, Box 220, Chicago, IL, USAAbstract: The identification of all epigenetic modifications implicated in gene expression is the next step for a better understanding of human biology in both normal and pathological states. This field is referred to as epigenomics, and it is defined as epigenetic changes (ie, DNA methylation, histone modifications and regulation by noncoding RNAs such as microRNAs) on a genomic scale rather than a single gene. Epigenetics modulate the structure of the chromatin, thereby affecting the transcription of genes in the genome. Different studies have already identified changes in epigenetic modifications in a few genes in specific pathways in cancers. Based on these epigenetic changes, drugs against different types of tumors were developed, which mainly target epimutations in the genome. Examples include DNA methylation inhibitors, histone modification inhibitors, and small molecules that target chromatin-remodeling proteins. However, these drugs are not specific, and side effects are a major problem; therefore, new DNA sequencing technologies combined with epigenomic tools have the potential to identify novel biomarkers and better molecular targets to treat cancers. The purpose of this review is to discuss current and emerging epigenomic tools and to address how these new technologies may impact the future of cancer management.Keywords: genomics, epigenomics, epigenetics, DNA methylation, histone modifications, new technologies, cancer management
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spelling doaj.art-60758ed8c75d45d7bfe7dea94d8d425e2022-12-22T01:22:17ZengDove Medical PressCancer Management and Research1179-13222010-10-012010default255265Epigenomics in cancer managementFabricio F CostaFabricio F CostaCancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Children’s Memorial Research Center and Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, 2430 N. Halsted St, Box 220, Chicago, IL, USAAbstract: The identification of all epigenetic modifications implicated in gene expression is the next step for a better understanding of human biology in both normal and pathological states. This field is referred to as epigenomics, and it is defined as epigenetic changes (ie, DNA methylation, histone modifications and regulation by noncoding RNAs such as microRNAs) on a genomic scale rather than a single gene. Epigenetics modulate the structure of the chromatin, thereby affecting the transcription of genes in the genome. Different studies have already identified changes in epigenetic modifications in a few genes in specific pathways in cancers. Based on these epigenetic changes, drugs against different types of tumors were developed, which mainly target epimutations in the genome. Examples include DNA methylation inhibitors, histone modification inhibitors, and small molecules that target chromatin-remodeling proteins. However, these drugs are not specific, and side effects are a major problem; therefore, new DNA sequencing technologies combined with epigenomic tools have the potential to identify novel biomarkers and better molecular targets to treat cancers. The purpose of this review is to discuss current and emerging epigenomic tools and to address how these new technologies may impact the future of cancer management.Keywords: genomics, epigenomics, epigenetics, DNA methylation, histone modifications, new technologies, cancer managementhttp://www.dovepress.com/epigenomics-in-cancer-management-a5547
spellingShingle Fabricio F Costa
Epigenomics in cancer management
Cancer Management and Research
title Epigenomics in cancer management
title_full Epigenomics in cancer management
title_fullStr Epigenomics in cancer management
title_full_unstemmed Epigenomics in cancer management
title_short Epigenomics in cancer management
title_sort epigenomics in cancer management
url http://www.dovepress.com/epigenomics-in-cancer-management-a5547
work_keys_str_mv AT fabriciofcosta epigenomicsincancermanagement