Epigenetic Regulation and Therapeutic Approaches in Cancer

Felix      Recillas-Targa

doi:10.2174/156802608786141179

Abstract

The interdependency between genetic and epigenetic regulatory processes renders cancer therapeutics and translational clinic possible, even though they remain difficult tasks considering all the evidence supporting a central role of progenitor-stem cells as a causative source of cellular transformation. In contrast to genetic alterations, epigenetic processes are potentially reversible allowing a better action of complementary therapeutic compounds. Here I would first describe the plethora of interconnected epigenetic processes and targets to then discuss several therapeutic strategies on the basis of different compounds. I conclude that the advent of new and specific epigenetic target drugs will certainly contribute to better treatments and to the development of predictive protocols in a next future.

Keywords: Epigenetics, genetics, chromatin, chromatin remodelling, DNA methylation, cancer, inhibitors, therapies