Abstract
Both genetic and epigenetic changes contribute to development of human cancer. Oncogenomics has primarily focused on understanding the genetic basis of neoplasia, with less emphasis being placed on the role of epigenetics in tumourigenesis. Genomic alterations in cancer vary between the different types and stages, tissues and individuals. Moreover, genomic change ranges from single nucleotide mutations to gross chromosomal aneuploidy; which may or may not be associated with underlying genomic instability. Collectively, genomic alterations result in widespread deregulation of gene expression profiles and the disruption of signalling networks that control proliferation and cellular functions. In addition to changes in DNA and chromosomes, it has become evident that oncogenomic processes can be profoundly influenced by epigenetic mechanisms. DNA methylation is one of the key epigenetic factors involved in regulation of gene expression and genomic stability, and is biologically necessary for the maintenance of many cellular functions. While there has been considerable progress in understanding the impact of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in tumourigenesis, there has been little consideration of the importance of the interplay between these two processes. In this review we summarize current understanding of the role of genetic and epigenetic alterations in human cancer. In addition we consider the associated interactions of genetic and epigenetic processes in tumour onset and progression. Furthermore, we provide a model of tumourigenesis that addresses the combined impact of both epigenetic and genetic alterations in cancer cells.
Keywords: Genetics, epigenetics, DNA methylation, genomic instability, cancer, tumour evolution
Current Genomics
Title: Cause and Consequences of Genetic and Epigenetic Alterations in Human Cancer
Volume: 9 Issue: 6
Author(s): B. Sadikovic, K. Al-Romaih, J. A. Squire and M. Zielenska
Affiliation:
Keywords: Genetics, epigenetics, DNA methylation, genomic instability, cancer, tumour evolution
Abstract: Both genetic and epigenetic changes contribute to development of human cancer. Oncogenomics has primarily focused on understanding the genetic basis of neoplasia, with less emphasis being placed on the role of epigenetics in tumourigenesis. Genomic alterations in cancer vary between the different types and stages, tissues and individuals. Moreover, genomic change ranges from single nucleotide mutations to gross chromosomal aneuploidy; which may or may not be associated with underlying genomic instability. Collectively, genomic alterations result in widespread deregulation of gene expression profiles and the disruption of signalling networks that control proliferation and cellular functions. In addition to changes in DNA and chromosomes, it has become evident that oncogenomic processes can be profoundly influenced by epigenetic mechanisms. DNA methylation is one of the key epigenetic factors involved in regulation of gene expression and genomic stability, and is biologically necessary for the maintenance of many cellular functions. While there has been considerable progress in understanding the impact of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in tumourigenesis, there has been little consideration of the importance of the interplay between these two processes. In this review we summarize current understanding of the role of genetic and epigenetic alterations in human cancer. In addition we consider the associated interactions of genetic and epigenetic processes in tumour onset and progression. Furthermore, we provide a model of tumourigenesis that addresses the combined impact of both epigenetic and genetic alterations in cancer cells.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Sadikovic B., Al-Romaih K., Squire A. J. and Zielenska M., Cause and Consequences of Genetic and Epigenetic Alterations in Human Cancer, Current Genomics 2008; 9 (6) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920208785699580
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920208785699580 |
Print ISSN 1389-2029 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5488 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Current Genomics in Cardiovascular Research
Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in the world, in recent years we have had important advances in the interaction between cardiovascular disease and genomics. In this Research Topic, we intend for researchers to present their results with a focus on basic, translational and clinical investigations associated with ...read more
Deep learning in Single Cell Analysis
The field of biology is undergoing a revolution in our ability to study individual cells at the molecular level, and to integrate data from multiple sources and modalities. This has been made possible by advances in technologies for single-cell sequencing, multi-omics profiling, spatial transcriptomics, and high-throughput imaging, as well as ...read more
New insights on Pediatric Tumors and Associated Cancer Predisposition Syndromes
Because of the broad spectrum of children cancer susceptibility, the diagnosis of cancer risk syndromes in children is rarely used in direct cancer treatment. The field of pediatric cancer genetics and genomics will only continue to expand as a result of increasing use of genetic testing tools. It's possible that ...read more
Related Journals
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Histopathology Image Analysis and Classification Using ARMA Models: Application to Brain Cancer Detection
Current Medical Imaging Nanotechnology in Therapeutics – Current Technologies and Applications
Current Nanoscience Novel Molecular Targets and Mechanisms Involved in the Invasion and Metastasis of Pancreatic Cancer
Clinical Cancer Drugs Epigenetic Control Using Natural Products and Synthetic Molecules
Current Medicinal Chemistry Emerging Features in the Regulation of MMP-9 Gene Expression for the Development of Novel Molecular Targets and Therapeutic Strategies
Current Drug Targets - Inflammation & Allergy The Interplay Between Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Carcinogenesis
Current Molecular Medicine Preclinical Investigation of Radiopharmaceuticals: An Accurate and Multidisciplinary Approach
Current Radiopharmaceuticals The Human Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Gene and Related Human Genes
Current Drug Metabolism Src Inhibitors and Angiogenesis
Current Pharmaceutical Design Exploration of Metastasis-related Proteins as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer
Current Cancer Drug Targets Gene Therapy Strategies in Prostate Cancer
Current Gene Therapy GCPII Imaging and Cancer
Current Medicinal Chemistry Anticancer and Antibacterial Activity of Hyperforin and Its Derivatives
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Photodynamic Inactivation of Bacteria
Current Bioactive Compounds Inflammation and Cancer: In Medio Stat Nano
Current Medicinal Chemistry Recent Development of CB2 Selective and Peripheral CB1/CB2 Cannabinoid Receptor Ligands
Current Medicinal Chemistry Patent Selections
Recent Patents on Anti-Cancer Drug Discovery A Mini-review on HER2 Positive Breast Cancer and its Metastasis: Resistance and Treatment Strategies
Current Nanomedicine Chemical and Biochemical Basis of Cell-Bone Matrix Interaction in Health and Disease
Current Chemical Biology Macromolecular Drug Targets in Cancer Treatment and Thiosemicarbazides as Anticancer Agents
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry