Epigenetic Mechanisms
A Promising Frontier in Cancer Treatment
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.1552Keywords:
Epigenetics, Cancer TreatmentAbstract
Epigenetics is the study of heritable chemical modifications that regulate gene expression and DNA transcription without directly modifying the DNA sequence. Two key epigenetic mechanisms are histone modifications and DNA methylation. Epigenetic changes influence many biological processes and diseases, including cancer. Cancer arises when genetic mutations in the DNA cause a cell to multiply rapidly. Malignant tumors can spread to other tissues, allowing cancer to affect many areas in the body. Cancer cells can have epigenetic alterations that allow them to evade current treatments. This review provides an overview of epigenetic mechanisms and discusses how targeting these mechanisms can lead to additional cancer therapies. Specifically, we explore the potential of epigenetic drugs to target the small percentage of cancer cells that resist conventional treatments due to their epigenetic states. By understanding how epigenetics contributes to cancer development and treatment resistance, researchers can develop more effective and targeted therapies.
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