Global epigenetic profiling in bladder cancer

Epigenomics. 2011 Feb;3(1):35-45. doi: 10.2217/epi.10.71.

Abstract

Urothelial carcinoma of the bladder is a common disease that arises from two distinct molecular pathways, and is one of the most expensive malignancies to manage. Accurate biomarkers that could detect tumor recurrence or predict future progression would improve the care of patients and reduce the cost of managing the disease. DNA methylation, histone modification and ncRNA expression are important epigenetic mechanisms that regulate the expression of genes. These regulatory mechanisms are altered with bladder cancer, and therefore, represent potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets owing to the reversible nature of their modification. In this article, we will discuss these epigenetic changes in bladder cancer and assess their clinical potential.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma / genetics
  • Carcinoma / physiopathology*
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • DNA Methylation / physiology*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic / physiology*
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Histones / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • RNA, Untranslated / metabolism*
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / genetics
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
  • Histones
  • RNA, Untranslated
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases