Gene regulation in eukaryotes II: epigenetics - Role of epigenetics in cancer

7 important questions on Gene regulation in eukaryotes II: epigenetics - Role of epigenetics in cancer

When considering the role of epigenetic changes and human disease, an association can arise in three common ways. What are these three ways?

  • The epigenetic changes directly contribute to the disease symptoms. There is a cause-and-effect relationship.
  • Conversely, the disease symptoms may arise first, and the they cause subsequent epigenetic changes to happen. This is also a cause-and-effect relationship, but in the opposite direction.
  • The association is indirect because a third factor is involved.

What are two general types of abnormalities in gene expression in cancer cells?

  • Some genes are overactive in cancer cells. In many cases, this is due to increased rates of transcription or the expression of a gene in the wrong type of cell. The abnormally high level of expression of the genes causes cellular changes that promote cancer.
  • Other genes exhibit a decrease in expression in cancer cells. The proteins encoded by these tumor-suppressor genes help to prevent cancer. Therefore, a decrease in their expression may allow cancer to occur.

Three general types of chromatin modifications are often found to be abnormal in cancer cells. What are these types of chromatin modifications?

  • Chromatin remodeling;
  • DNA methylation;
  • Covalent modification of histones.
  • Higher grades + faster learning
  • Never study anything twice
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Discover Study Smart

How can DNA methylation cause cancer?

The level of DNA methylation can change. Hypermethylation is an abnormal high level of DNA methylation. This may promote cancer by inhibiting the expression of tumor-suppressor genes.

How can chromatin remodeling cause cancer?

Abnormalities in the locations of nucleosomes have been frequently found in cancer cells. Depending on how the nucleosomes are rearranged, such changes could increase the expression of oncogenes or inhibit the expression of tumor-suppressor genes.

The underlying cause of the abnormality of chromatin modifications can be placed into two general categories. What are these categories?

  • Mutations may occur in genes that encode chromatin-modifying proteins.
  • Environmental agents may alter the functions of chromatin-modifying proteins.

Cancer treatments may be aimed at what process?

Cancer treatments may be aimed at epigenetic changes.

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

  • A unique study and practice tool
  • Never study anything twice again
  • Get the grades you hope for
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Remember faster, study better. Scientifically proven.
Trustpilot Logo