Therapeutic targeting of DNA methylation alterations in cancer

Abigail V Lee; Kevin A Nestler; Katherine B Chiappinelli

doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108640

Therapeutic targeting of DNA methylation alterations in cancer

Pharmacol Ther. 2024 Apr 1:258:108640. doi: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108640. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Abigail V Lee¹, Kevin A Nestler¹, Katherine B Chiappinelli²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
² Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA. Electronic address: kchiapp1@gwu.edu.

PMID: 38570075
DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108640

Abstract

DNA methylation is a critical component of gene regulation and plays an important role in the development of cancer. Hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes and silencing of DNA repair pathways facilitate uncontrolled cell growth and synergize with oncogenic mutations to perpetuate cancer phenotypes. Additionally, aberrant DNA methylation hinders immune responses crucial for antitumor immunity. Thus, inhibiting dysregulated DNA methylation is a promising cancer therapy. Pharmacologic inhibition of DNA methylation reactivates silenced tumor suppressors and bolster immune responses through induction of viral mimicry. Now, with the advent of immunotherapies and discovery of the immune-modulatory effects of DNA methylation inhibitors, there is great interest in understanding how targeting DNA methylation in combination with other therapies can enhance antitumor immunity. Here, we describe the role of aberrant DNA methylation in cancer and mechanisms by which it promotes tumorigenesis and modulates immune responses. Finally, we review the initial discoveries and ongoing efforts to target DNA methylation as a cancer therapeutic.

Keywords: Cancer; DNA methylation; DNMT inhibitor, epigenetic.

Publication types

Review