Cai FF, Kohler C, Zhang B, Wang MH, Chen WJ, Zhong XY. Epigenetic therapy for breast cancer.
Int J Mol Sci 2011;
12:4465-87. [PMID:
21845090 PMCID:
PMC3155363 DOI:
10.3390/ijms12074465]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2011] [Revised: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 07/01/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Both genetic and epigenetic alterations can control the progression of cancer. Genetic alterations are impossible to reverse, while epigenetic alterations are reversible. This advantage suggests that epigenetic modifications should be preferred in therapy applications. DNA methyltransferases and histone deacetylases have become the primary targets for studies in epigenetic therapy. Some DNA methylation inhibitors and histone deacetylation inhibitors are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as anti-cancer drugs. Therefore, the uses of epigenetic targets are believed to have great potential as a lasting favorable approach in treating breast cancer.
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