Beyond regulations at DNA levels: A review of epigenetic therapeutics targeting cancer stem cells. (13th December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Shunhao; Gong, Yanji; Li, Chunjie; Yang, Wenbin; Li, Longjiang
• Is Part Of: Cell proliferation. Volume 54:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-12-13
• Subjects: cancer stem cells -- DNA methyltransferase -- epigenetic therapeutics -- histone deacetylase -- miRNA; Cell proliferation -- Periodicals; 571.84
• DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12963
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-7722

Abstract

Abstract: In the past few years, the paramount role of cancer stem cells (CSCs), in terms of cancer initiation, proliferation, metastasis, invasion and chemoresistance, has been revealed by accumulating studies. However, this level of cellular plasticity cannot be entirely explained by genetic mutations. Research on epigenetic modifications as a complementary explanation for the properties of CSCs has been increasing over the past several years. Notably, therapeutic strategies are currently being developed in an effort to reverse aberrant epigenetic alterations using specific chemical inhibitors. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of CSCs and their role in cancer progression, and provide an overview of epigenetic alterations seen in CSCs. Importantly, we focus on primary cancer therapies that target the epigenetic modification of CSCs by the use of specific chemical inhibitors, such as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors and microRNA‐based (miRNA‐based) therapeutics. Abstract : Epigenetic therapeutics targeting cancer stem cells.