Epigenomics, Pharmacoepigenomics, and Personalized Medicine in Cervical Cancer

Abstract

Epigenomics encompasses the study of genome-wide changes in DNA methylation, histone modifications and noncoding RNAs leading to altered transcription, chromatin structure, and posttranscription RNA processing, respectively, resulting in an altered rate of gene expression. The role of epigenetic modifications facilitating human diseases is well established. Previous studies have identified histone and cytosine code during normal and pathological conditions with special emphasis on how these modifications regulate transcriptional events. Recent studies have also mapped these epigenetic modification and pathways leading to carcinogenesis. Discovery of drugs that target proteins/enzymes in the epigenetic pathways may provide better therapeutic opportunities, and identification of such modulators for DNA methylation, histone modifications, and expression of noncoding RNAs for several cancer types is underway. In this review, we provide a detailed description of recent developments in the field of epigenetics and its impact on personalized medicine to manage cervical cancer.

Ethical, Legal, and Regulatory Issues for the Implementation of Omics-Based Risk Prediction of Women’s Cancer: Points to Consider

“…Because epigenetic modifications might be involved in the development of some cancers, their analysis could be of great interest for risk prediction. For instance, assessment of epigenetic modifications associated with susceptibility to cervical cancer could be integrated into public health programs [32]. However, the use of epigenetic risk factors also raises additional questions.…”

Recent Advances on the Molecular Mechanism of Cervical Carcinogenesis Based on Systems Biology Technologies

“…The epigenomics emerged recently is the research of epigenetic changes at the genomic level. The essence is to alter the modification of the genome involved in DNA methylation, histone modifications without affecting the DNA sequence, thereby affecting individual development, and this change also can be inherited [150]. DNA methylation changes and histone modifications are being studied in cervical cancers of epigenetic regulation of gene expression.…”

“…DNA methylation changes and histone modifications are being studied in cervical cancers of epigenetic regulation of gene expression. As mentioned above, DNA methylation in the promoter and upstream CpG islands has been contributed to cervical carcinogenesis in several tumor suppressor genes including cell cycle, apoptosis, DNA repair, cell differentiation, transcription, and signaling pathway [150]. Phosphorylation and acetylation of histone H3 were reported significant association with cervical cancer progression [151].…”

Genistein Modulates Signaling Pathways and Targets Several Epigenetic Markers in HeLa Cells

“…The changes in the levels of promoter methylation and histone acetylation of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) are an outcome of the disturbance in enzyme equilibrium and ultimately results in cancer development [8]. Together, they alter chromatin accessibility and transcription factor binding site availability, which then accounts for silencing of tumor suppression genes involved in the regulation of cellular processes like cell propagation, cell-cycle maintenance and apoptosis [9,10]. Epigenetic changes are reversible, hence drugs that target these enzymes play a critical role in restoring epimutations in malignant cells and are potential candidates for cancer therapy [11].…”