Histone methylation and acetylation in cancer: mechanism, progression, and targets

Abstract

Along with the continuous development of chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and its derivative technologies, as well as an increased understanding of epigenetic modification, the post-translational modification of histones has gradually been revealed, including their acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination, and their roles in diseases, especially cancer, have also been gradually explored. The role and regulation of histone methylation and acetylation in cancer and the mechanism of action of drugs have been thoroughly discussed. In particular, the review highlights recent advances in the development of epigenetic-targeted therapies and the challenges that remain in translating these findings into clinical applications. Research on epigenetic-targeted drugs is in its infancy, and more research in the fields of dominant biology, structural biology, and pharmacodynamics is needed. Through this review, the authors aim to provide theoretical guidance for the construction and clinical transformation of histone methylation and acetylation.