Epigenetics in Cancer

Epigenetics can be defined as acquired changes in chromatin structure that arise independently of a change in the underlying DNA nucleotide sequence. Epigenetic modifications include methylation and acetylation of histone tails, ubiquitination, and DNA methylation amongst others. These post-translational modifications can alter the accessibility of DNA to transcription machinery and therefore influence gene expression. The dysregulation of these epigenetic alterations has been shown to result in oncogenesis and cancer progression. For example, the cell cycle, as well as proliferation and metastasis can be regulated by histone modification, DNA methylation and chromatin remodeling. Unlike genetic mutations, epigenetic alterations are reversible and thus make a promising therapeutic target.

This Poster summarizes the main epigenetic modifications and highlights potential targets for cancer therapeutics.