Springer Protocols: Abstract: DNA Methylation and Histone Modifications in Patients With Cancer: Potential Prognostic and Therapeutic Targets

DNA Methylation and Histone Modifications in Patients With Cancer: Potential Prognostic and Therapeutic Targets

By: Michel Herranz², Manel Esteller²

Abstract

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Epigenetics, a combination of DNA modifications, chromatin organization, and variations in its associated proteins, configure a new entity that regulates gene expression throughout methylation, acetylation, and chromatin remodeling. In addition to silencing as a result of mutations, loss of heterozygosity, or classical genetic events epigenetic modification symbolizes essential early events during carcinogenesis and tumor development. The reversion of these epigenetic processes restoring normal expression of tumor-suppressor genes has consequently become a new therapeutic target in cancer treatment. Aberrant patterns of epigenetic modifications will be, in a near future, crucial parameters in cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

Affiliation(s): (2) Cancer Epigenetic Laboratory, Molecular Pathology Program, Spanish National Canter Centre, Madrid, Spain

Book Title: Target Discovery and Validation Reviews and Protocols: Volume 2: Emerging Molecular Targets and Treatment Options

Series: Methods in Molecular Biology | Volume: 361 | Pub. Date: Feb-05-2007 | Page Range: 25-62 | DOI: 10.1385/1-59745-208-4:25

Subject: Pharmacology/Toxicology

Key Words: Cancer epigenetics - histone modifications - DNA methylation - prognosis - therapy

References

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