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Understanding the Role of Epigenetics in Cancer Formation and Spread: New Study Reveals Key Insights

For decades, researchers have sequenced the DNA in many types of cancer, identifying genetic errors to understand the formation, growth and spread of tumors. However, sometimes cancer is influenced by subtle changes in the way the genetic code is expressed, rather than mistakes in the code itself. This form of regulation is called the epigenome.

In a new study led by researchers at the University of St. Louis, USA, specialists investigated the functioning of the epigenome in 11 types of cancer, revealing significant roles for this genome regulatory system in the processes of cancer formation, growth and spread.

Published November 1 in the journal Nature, the research addresses the transitions from normal to tumor cells and from tumor cells to the metastatic stage of cancer, providing essential information for prevention and treatment. Co-senior author Li Ding emphasized the importance of understanding these processes to improve cancer-fighting strategies.

Dr. Ryan C. Fields, a surgical oncologist involved in the study, notes that epigenetic drivers of cancer may explain the aggressive behavior of tumors without apparent genetic mutations.

Researchers have identified epigenetic differences between normal cells and tumor cells, regarding the degree of “opening” of the genome, influencing gene activity. Cancer cells tend to be more open than normal cells.

The team discovered specific epigenetic factors linked to cancer initiation and others linked to metastatic cancer, indicating changes in gene regulation as the tumor spreads throughout the body.

The study also shows that epigenetic factors in cancer can collaborate with DNA mutations in the processes of tumor formation and spread. Some of these factors have been identified in multiple tumor types, while others have been specific to certain types of cancer.

In conclusion, another author, Feng Chen, believes that the study provides valuable information to the research community, opening up new opportunities for exploring gene regulatory mechanisms that have not been previously reported.

Source: 360medical.ro

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2023-11-12 20:23:39
#details #subtle #cancer #republikaNEWS

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