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.
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How can DNA methylation cause cancer?
How can chromatin remodeling cause cancer?
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?
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