Improving TRAIL-induced apoptosis in cancers by interfering with histone modifications

Bao-Jie Zhang; Deng Chen; Frank J Dekker; Wim J Quax

doi:10.20517/cdr.2020.58

Improving TRAIL-induced apoptosis in cancers by interfering with histone modifications

Cancer Drug Resist. 2020 Oct 9;3(4):791-803. doi: 10.20517/cdr.2020.58. eCollection 2020.

Authors

Bao-Jie Zhang¹, Deng Chen¹, Frank J Dekker¹, Wim J Quax¹

Affiliation

¹ University of Groningen, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 AV, The Netherlands.

Abstract

Epigenetic regulation refers to alterations to the chromatin template that collectively establish differential patterns of gene transcription. Post-translational modifications of the histones play a key role in epigenetic regulation of gene transcription. In this review, we provide an overview of recent studies on the role of histone modifications in carcinogenesis. Since tumour-selective ligands such as tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) are well-considered as promising anti-tumour therapies, we summarise strategies for improving TRAIL sensitivity by inhibiting aberrant histone modifications in cancers. In this perspective we also discuss new epigenetic drug targets for enhancing TRAIL-mediated apoptosis.

Keywords: Epigenetics; apoptosis; histone modification; selective epigenetic inhibitors; tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand.

Publication types

Review