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DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitors

Paving the Way for Epigenetic Cancer Therapeutics

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DNA Methylation and Cancer Therapy

Part of the book series: Medical Intelligence Unit ((MIUN))

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Abstract

Regional hypermethylation and global hypomethylation coexist in cancer cells. Under-standing the mechanisms responsible for global hypomethylation and regional hypermethylation in cancer is required for the proper design of therapeutic strategies targeting the DNA methylation machinery. This chapter discusses different models explaining this paradox. Global hypomethylation is proposed to be associated with activation by demethylation of metastasis-associated genes. Thus, anticancer therapy directed at DNA methyltransferase might have the untoward effect of promoting metastasis. Inhibition of demethylase activity on the other hand could potentially inhibit metastasis. It is therefore im-portant to identify and characterize the enzymes responsible for global hypomethylation in cancer.

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  1. Department of Clinical Research, MethylGene Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada

    Gregory K. Reid

  2. Department of Molecular Biology, MethylGene Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada

    A. Robert MacLeod

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Reid, G.K., MacLeod, A.R. (2005). DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitors. In: DNA Methylation and Cancer Therapy. Medical Intelligence Unit. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-27443-X_14

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