Epi-Drugs and Epi-miRs: Moving Beyond Current Cancer Therapies

Curr Cancer Drug Targets. 2016;16(9):773-788. doi: 10.2174/1568009616666151207110143.

Abstract

Epigenetic modifications determine phenotypic characteristics in a reversible, stable and genotype-independent manner. Epigenetic modifications mainly encompass CpG island methylation and histone modifications, both being important in the pathogenesis of malignancies. The reversibility of epigenetic phenomenon provides a suitable therapeutic option that is reactivation of epigenetically silenced tumor-suppressor genes. Inhibition of DNA methyltransferase, histone deacetylase and Aurora B kinase, individually or collectively, could feasibly prevent or reverse the impact of epigenetic silencing. MicroRNAs [miRNAs] are an important layer of epigenetic controlling of gene expression, and serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers as well as treatment targets for several types of cancer. miRNAs are involved inepigenetically silencing or activation of genes, tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes, and their modulation opens new horizons for designing novel cancer therapeutic agents.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • DNA Methylation / drug effects
  • DNA Modification Methylases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • DNA Modification Methylases / genetics
  • DNA Modification Methylases / metabolism
  • Epigenesis, Genetic* / drug effects
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs*
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / therapy

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
  • MicroRNAs
  • DNA Modification Methylases