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Epigenetic Variations of Stem Cell Markers in Cancer

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Epigenetics and Cancer

Abstract

Epigenetic mechanisms play an important role in the regulation of gene expression and are critical for the function of normal physiological processes like cell proliferation, differentiation and morphogenesis. Alterations in epigenetic mechanisms contribute to the initiation and progression of various pathological conditions like genetic disorders, autoimmune diseases, aging and cancer. In this chapter, we discuss the different types of epigenetic mechanisms and how dysregulation of these mechanisms can lead to the initiation and development of various cancers. In addition, we highlight the importance of cancer stem cell (CSC) markers that serve as putative biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, and epigenetic variations of these markers in cancer. Given the importance of microRNAs in gene regulation and cancer, we discuss the regulation of various tumor suppressor microRNAs by CSC markers and vice versa. A thorough knowledge on these aspects is critical in the development of therapeutics that can target cancer stem cells.

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Acknowledgements 

This work was supported by National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Cancer Institute (NCI) grants: CA-137482 (CWH); Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (CWH). We would like to thank Dr. Ilangovan Ramachandran and Nathaniel Weygant for reviewing this book chapter.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA

    Sripathi M. Sureban, Dongfeng Qu & Courtney W. Houchen

  2. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA

    Sripathi M. Sureban, Dongfeng Qu & Courtney W. Houchen

  3. Peggy and Charles Stephenson Oklahoma Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA

    Sripathi M. Sureban & Courtney W. Houchen

Authors
  1. Sripathi M. Sureban
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  2. Dongfeng Qu
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  3. Courtney W. Houchen
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Correspondence to Courtney W. Houchen .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Dept. of Pathology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, John R 4100, Detroit, 48201, Michigan, USA

    Fazlul H. Sarkar

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Sureban, S.M., Qu, D., Houchen, C.W. (2013). Epigenetic Variations of Stem Cell Markers in Cancer. In: Sarkar, F. (eds) Epigenetics and Cancer. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6612-9_7

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