Epigenetics in cancer stem cells. Issue 1 (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Toh, Tan; Lim, Jhin; Chow, Edward
• Is Part Of: Molecular cancer. Volume 16:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 20
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: Cancer stem cells -- Epigenetics -- Histone methylation -- Histone methyltransferase -- DNA methylation -- Signaling pathway; Cancer -- Molecular aspects -- Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1186/s12943-017-0596-9
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-4598

Abstract

Abstract Compelling evidence have demonstrated that bulk tumors can arise from a unique subset of cells commonly termed "cancer stem cells" that has been proposed to be a strong driving force of tumorigenesis and a key mechanism of therapeutic resistance. Recent advances in epigenomics have illuminated key mechanisms by which epigenetic regulation contribute to cancer progression. In this review, we present a discussion of how deregulation of various epigenetic pathways can contribute to cancer initiation and tumorigenesis, particularly with respect to maintenance and survival of cancer stem cells. This information, together with several promising clinical and preclinical trials of epigenetic modulating drugs, offer new possibilities for targeting cancer stem cells as well as improving cancer therapy overall.