DNA methylation of HOX genes and its clinical implications in cancer

Xin Hu; Yong Wang; Xiaoyu Zhang; Chensheng Li; Xikun Zhang; Dongxia Yang; Yuanyuan Liu; Lianlian Li

doi:10.1016/j.yexmp.2023.104871

DNA methylation of HOX genes and its clinical implications in cancer

Exp Mol Pathol. 2023 Dec:134:104871. doi: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2023.104871. Epub 2023 Sep 13.

Authors

Xin Hu¹, Yong Wang², Xiaoyu Zhang¹, Chensheng Li³, Xikun Zhang⁴, Dongxia Yang⁵, Yuanyuan Liu⁵, Lianlian Li⁶

Affiliations

¹ Department of Immunology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong, China.
² Shandong Xinchuang Biotechnology Co., LTD, Jinan 250102, Shandong, China; Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhangqiu District People's Hospital of Jinan, Jinan 250200, Shandong, China.
³ Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China.
⁴ Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250031, Shandong, China.
⁵ Shandong Xinchuang Biotechnology Co., LTD, Jinan 250102, Shandong, China.
⁶ Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China; Department of Immunology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong, China. Electronic address: lilianlian@sdfmu.edu.cn.

PMID: 37696326
DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2023.104871

Abstract

Homeobox (HOX) genes encode highly conserved transcription factors that play vital roles in embryonic development. DNA methylation is a pivotal regulatory epigenetic signaling mark responsible for regulating gene expression. Abnormal DNA methylation is largely associated with the aberrant expression of HOX genes, which is implicated in a broad range of human diseases, including cancer. Numerous studies have clarified the mechanisms of DNA methylation in both physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we focus on how DNA methylation regulates HOX genes and briefly discuss drug development approaches targeting these mechanisms.

Keywords: DNA methylation; DNMT; HOX gene; LncRNA; Therapeutic target.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

DNA Methylation / genetics
Embryonic Development / genetics
Genes, Homeobox* / genetics
Humans
Neoplasms* / genetics
Transcription Factors / genetics

Substances

Transcription Factors