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Gene Expression, Epigenetic Regulation, and Cancer

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Epigenetic Advancements in Cancer

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Abstract

The human body is composed of many different types of somatic cells that vary in structure and function whereby each cell type possesses its own unique combination of proteins that will distinguish it from other types of cells. Hence only certain genes are expressed in cells that carry out specific functions, and different mechanisms have been identified to control gene expression. Histone modification and DNA methylation are two major types of epigenetic mechanisms that are important for normal development; however, under certain conditions, they may contribute to the onset of certain diseases. For example, changes to the epigenome may promote the growth of carcinogenic tumors. Epigenetic chemicals may originate from exposure to particular environmental stimuli, and lifestyle behaviors may play an important role in changing one’s epigenetic profile. Although epigenetic tags are not components of the DNA itself, they have the potential to be passed on to offspring. Novel drug therapies are being developed to target particular aberrant epigenetic activity responsible for initiating harmful health effects.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, USA

    Shuntele N. Burns

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  1. Shuntele N. Burns
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Correspondence to Shuntele N. Burns .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, Alabama, USA

    Manoj K. Mishra

  2. School of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA

    Kumar S. Bishnupuri

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Burns, S.N. (2016). Gene Expression, Epigenetic Regulation, and Cancer. In: Mishra, M., Bishnupuri, K. (eds) Epigenetic Advancements in Cancer. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24951-3_4

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