The Role of Epigenetics in the Mechanisms of Cancer Development and Treatment

Mahboubeh Jamshidi (Ph.D. Candidate in Molecular Genetics) ۱, Amir Houshang Nejadeh (Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science) *۱ ۱ Ayandeh Pathobiology and Genetics Laboratory, Tehran, Iran. Cancer is a multifactorial disease driven by both genetic and epigenetic alterations that influence the development, progression, and treatment resistance of tumors. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA regulation, significantly contribute to tumorigenesis by altering gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence. DNA methylation, characterized by both hypermethylation of tumor suppressor gene promoters and global hypomethylation of oncogenes, plays a pivotal role in disrupting cellular homeostasis, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Histone modifications, particularly acetylation and methylation, further influence chromatin structure and gene expression patterns, either promoting or suppressing cancer-related genes. In addition, non-coding RNAs, such as miRNAs and lncRNAs, are critical regulators of gene expression in cancer, affecting cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. The dynamic nature of epigenetic modifications has made them attractive targets for cancer therapy. Epigenetic therapies, such as DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors, have shown promise in reactivating silenced tumor suppressor genes and restoring normal cellular function. Furthermore, recent advances in CRISPR-Cas۹ technology offer the potential for precise epigenome editing, allowing for targeted regulation of gene expression without altering the genomic sequence. The combination of epigenetic therapies with conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies, has demonstrated enhanced therapeutic efficacy by overcoming treatment resistance mechanisms inherent to many cancers. This article explores the intricate mechanisms of epigenetic regulation in cancer and its implications for therapeutic intervention. It highlights the latest developments in epigenetic therapies and discusses the potential of combining these approaches with emerging technologies like CRISPR to improve cancer treatment outcomes. The review underscores the importance of understanding the epigenetic landscape of cancer for the development of more effective, personalized therapeutic strategies.. Keywords: Epigenetics, Cancer, DNA Methylation, Histone Modifications, Non-coding RNA, CRISPR-Cas۹, Epigenetic Therapy, Drug Resistance.

کلیدواژه ها:

Epigenetics ، Cancer ، DNA Methylation ، Histone Modifications