Cited by 3,203Epigenetics and DNA MethylationChromatin Remodeling and CancerGenomics and Chromatin Dynamics

Cancer epigenetics: from mechanism to therapy

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Dawson, Mark A., Kouzarides, Tony·2012·Cell

Abstract

The epigenetic regulation of DNA-templated processes has been intensely studied over the last 15 years. DNA methylation, histone modification, nucleosome remodeling, and RNA-mediated targeting regulate many biological processes that are fundamental to the genesis of cancer. Here, we present the basic principles behind these epigenetic pathways and highlight the evidence suggesting that their misregulation can culminate in cancer. This information, along with the promising clinical and preclinical results seen with epigenetic drugs against chromatin regulators, signifies that it is time to embrace the central role of epigenetics in cancer.

Integrity signals

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.cell.2012.06.013

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135 of 135 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Hypomethylation of repetitive elements in cancer cells can lead to activation and transposition of endogenous retroviral sequences, promoting genetic instability and tumour development.

    “Nevertheless, hypomethylation of these elements is observed in cancer cells 26,27 and this can lead to activation and transposition of the endogenous retroviral sequences thereby promoting genetic instability and tumour development 1 (Figure 2).”
  • Pervasive mutations occur in a range of enzymes that methylate and de-methylate DNA and histones.

    “A major finding from the cancer genome efforts has been that pervasive mutations occur in a range of enzymes that methylate and de-methylate DNA and histones 1,89 .”
  • Epigenetic alterations play important roles in driving cancer initiation and progression.

    “Many reports have demonstrated that epigenetic alterations play important roles in driving cancer initiation and progression [123, 124].”

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Authors
Dawson, M. A., & Kouzarides, T.
Affiliations
University of Cambridge (GB)
Corresponding author
Kouzarides, Tony
Venue
Cell
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2012-07
Volume
150
Issue
1
Pages
12-27
ISSN
0092-8674 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2117247812
Cited by
3,203
References
135
Citations by year
2026: 150 · 2025: 199 · 2024: 246 · 2023: 258 · 2022: 312 · 2021: 264 · 2020: 204 · 2019: 211 · 2018: 230 · 2017: 239 · 2016: 239 · 2015: 229 · 2014: 213 · 2013: 174 · 2012: 33
FWCI
18.96
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Cell (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Wellcome Trust (092096)
  • Cancer Research UK
  • Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Epigenetics and DNA Methylation
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Chromatin Remodeling and Cancer
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Genomics and Chromatin Dynamics
Keywords
cancer epigenetics, DNA methylation, histone modifications, nucleosome remodeling, chromatin regulation, epigenetic drugs, chromatin regulators, epigenetic therapy
MeSH terms
Humans, Neoplasms, Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic, DNA Methylation, Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly, Histone Code, Epigenesis, Genetic, Epigenomics

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