Epigenetic Modifiers in Cancer Treatment: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, play a pivotal role in triggering cancer growth and progression by altering gene expression, even without the presence of driver mutations. The abnormal methylation status of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) has been associated with tumorigenesis due to genomic instability, improper gene silencing ability, and immune evasion. Altered DNA methylation significantly supports tumor growth by changing gene expression patterns. Several DNMT inhibitors that can reverse hypermethylation of DNA to induce gene repression that can cause cell cycle arrest and cancer cell death are in clinical use. Recent studies indicate that combining DNMT inhibitors with chemotherapies and immunotherapies can have synergistic effects, especially in aggressive metastatic tumors, and improve therapeutic outcomes. Utilizing genome-wide analyses of epigenetic alterations to create personalized therapies tailored to individual patient needs are promising strategies for enhancing therapeutic outcomes.

Since epigenetic-modifying drugs offer tremendous therapeutic potential, as they influence both cancer cells and tumor-supportive mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment, translating bench research to bedside application is. This Special Issue will focus on molecules, mechanisms, and strategies that are proven or emerging to target DNA and histone modifications that underlie cancer growth, metastasis, resistance, and cancer reoccurrence.  For this purpose, we welcome original research articles or comprehensive review articles that will provide a critical analysis of various epigenetic modifiers and their mechanisms and potential use for treating cancers.

Prof. Dr. Appu Rathinavelu
Dr. Umamaheswari Natarajan
Guest Editors

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