Insights into Epigenetics Mechanisms in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Alothman, Loulwah; Alsenani, May; Alrabiah, Reem; Ras, Amjad Abu; Abulhassan, Ethar; Aldayel, Rana; Almutairi, Rania; Alsaif, Rawan

doi:10.36348/sjodr.2020.v05i01.005

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 13 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Notably, epigenetics, the investigation of heritable modifications in gene expression or cellular traits that do not entail changes to the underlying DNA sequence, has been discovered to have a crucial role not only in OSCC progression [22] but also in the diagnosis and potential treatment thereof [23].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Together, these epigenetic mechanisms dynamically control gene activity and cellular phenotypes, playing essential roles in development, disease processes, and the interplay between genes and the environment [25]. For instance, aberrant DNA methylation of tumor suppressor genes (TSG), such as DAPK, p16, APC, MGMT, TIMP3, CDH1, and so forth has been observed in OSCC [23,[26][27][28][29]. As a result, these DNA methylation changes can lead to the silencing of these genes, promoting uncontrolled cell growth and tumor progression [30].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Epigenetic Regulation in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Microenvironment: A Comprehensive Review

Mesgari,

Esmaelian,

Nasiri

et al. 2023

Cancers

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent and significant type of oral cancer that has far-reaching health implications worldwide. Epigenetics, a field focused on studying heritable changes in gene expression without modifying DNA sequence, plays a pivotal role in OSCC. Epigenetic changes, encompassing DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNAs, exert control over gene activity and cellular characteristics. In OSCC, aberrant DNA methylation of tumor suppressor genes (TSG) leads to their inactivation, subsequently facilitating tumor growth. As a result, distinct patterns of gene methylation hold promise as valuable biomarkers for the detection of OSCC. Oral cancer treatment typically involves surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, but even with these treatments, cancer cells cannot be effectively targeted and destroyed. Researchers are therefore exploring new methods to target and eliminate cancer cells. One promising approach is the use of epigenetic modifiers, such as DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, which have been shown to modify abnormal epigenetic patterns in OSCC cells, leading to the reactivation of TSGs and the suppression of oncogenes. As a result, epigenetic-targeted therapies have the potential to directly alter gene expression and minimize side effects. Several studies have explored the efficacy of such therapies in the treatment of OSCC. Although studies have investigated the efficacy of epigenetic therapies, challenges in identifying reliable biomarkers and developing effective combination treatments are acknowledged. Of note, epigenetic mechanisms play a significant role in drug resistance in OSCC and other cancers. Aberrant DNA methylation can silence tumor suppressor genes, while alterations in histone modifications and chromatin remodeling affect gene expression related to drug metabolism and cell survival. Thus, understanding and targeting these epigenetic processes offer potential strategies to overcome drug resistance and improve the efficacy of cancer treatments in OSCC. This comprehensive review focuses on the complex interplay between epigenetic alterations and OSCC cells. This will involve a deep dive into the mechanisms underlying epigenetic modifications and their impact on OSCC, including its initiation, progression, and metastasis. Furthermore, this review will present the role of epigenetics in the treatment and diagnosis of OSCC.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%