The role of histone modifications and variants in regulating gene expression in breast cancer

J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia. 2010 Mar;15(1):19-33. doi: 10.1007/s10911-010-9167-z. Epub 2010 Feb 4.

Abstract

The role of epigenetic phenomena in cancer biology is increasingly being recognized. Here we focus on the mechanisms and enzymes involved in regulating histone methylation and acetylation, and the modulation of histone variant expression and deposition. Implications of these epigenetic marks for tumor development, progression and invasiveness are discussed with a particular emphasis on breast cancer progression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acetylation
  • Animals
  • Breast Neoplasms / enzymology
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Genetic Variation
  • Histone Acetyltransferases / genetics
  • Histone Acetyltransferases / metabolism
  • Histone Deacetylases / genetics
  • Histone Deacetylases / metabolism
  • Histone Demethylases / genetics
  • Histone Demethylases / metabolism
  • Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase / genetics
  • Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase / metabolism
  • Histones / genetics
  • Histones / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Isoenzymes / genetics
  • Isoenzymes / metabolism
  • Methylation
  • Protein-Arginine N-Methyltransferases / genetics
  • Protein-Arginine N-Methyltransferases / metabolism

Substances

  • Histones
  • Isoenzymes
  • Histone Demethylases
  • Protein-Arginine N-Methyltransferases
  • Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase
  • Histone Acetyltransferases
  • Histone Deacetylases