Epigenetic modifications in prostate cancer

The importance of epigenetic modifications in cancer progression

Epigenetics are dynamic and inherited changes in the genome that occur independently of DNA sequencing. This phenomenon requires coherent interaction with various enzymes and other molecular components. Abnormal epigenetic changes can lead to the onset of improper gene expression and the promotion of tumorigenesis. Because epigenetic changes are prone to external and reversible factors, they ar...

The Interactions of microRNA and Epigenetic Modifications in Prostate Cancer

Epigenetic modifiers play important roles in fine-tuning the cellular transcriptome. Any imbalance in these processes may lead to abnormal transcriptional activity and thus result in disease state. Distortions of the epigenome have been reported in cancer initiation and progression. DNA methylation and histone modifications are principle components of this epigenome, but more recently it has be...

Epigenetic modifications in cancer.

Cancer initiation and progression is controlled by both genetic and epigenetic events. The complexity of carcinogenesis cannot be accounted for by genetic alterations alone but also involves epigenetic changes. Epigenetics refers to the study of mechanisms that alter gene expression without altering the primary DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms are heritable and reversible, and include change...

Epigenetic Modifications: Therapeutic Potential in Cancer

Epigenetic modifications and alterations in chromatin structure and function contribute to the cumulative changes observed as normal cells undergo malignant transformation. These modifications and enzymes (DNA methyltransferases, histone deacetylases, histone methyltransferases, and demethylases) related to them have been deeply studied to develop new drugs, epigenome-targeted therapies and new...

genetic and epigenetic changes in human prostate cancer