Epigenetic therapy

Definition

Epigenetic therapy is a treatment approach that aims to modify gene expression through targeted changes to the epigenome, rather than altering the underlying DNA sequence. This strategy leverages the understanding of how epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, regulate gene activity, providing potential therapeutic avenues for diseases like cancer, where aberrant epigenetic regulation is common.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Epigenetic therapy has shown promise in treating various cancers by reversing abnormal epigenetic changes that lead to tumor formation and progression.
2. Certain drugs used in epigenetic therapy target enzymes involved in DNA methylation and histone modification, restoring normal gene function.
3. This therapy can potentially improve treatment outcomes by sensitizing cancer cells to existing therapies or by providing an alternative when traditional treatments fail.
4. Unlike conventional therapies that focus on killing cancer cells, epigenetic therapy aims to correct the underlying regulatory mechanisms of gene expression.
5. Research is ongoing to explore epigenetic therapy's applications beyond cancer, including neurological disorders and autoimmune diseases.

Review Questions

• How does epigenetic therapy differ from traditional genetic therapies in its approach to treating diseases?
  • Epigenetic therapy differs from traditional genetic therapies by focusing on modifying gene expression rather than altering the DNA sequence itself. While genetic therapies may involve inserting, deleting, or repairing genes to correct genetic defects, epigenetic therapies utilize mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone modification to restore normal gene activity. This allows for a broader application, particularly in conditions where the underlying DNA is intact but its regulation is disrupted.
• What role do DNA methylation and histone modification play in the effectiveness of epigenetic therapy for cancer treatment?
  • DNA methylation and histone modification are critical components of the epigenome that regulate gene expression patterns. In many cancers, abnormal methylation patterns can silence tumor suppressor genes or activate oncogenes, contributing to tumor growth. Epigenetic therapy targets these modifications to reverse such changes, potentially restoring normal gene expression and enhancing the effectiveness of existing treatments by re-sensitizing cancer cells that had previously become resistant.
• Evaluate the future prospects of epigenetic therapy in treating complex diseases beyond cancer, considering current research trends.
  • The future prospects of epigenetic therapy in treating complex diseases appear promising as current research expands into areas beyond cancer. Ongoing studies are investigating its potential applications in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis, where aberrant epigenetic regulation may play a significant role. The ability to target the epigenome offers a novel approach to modulating gene expression without permanent changes to the genetic code, suggesting that epigenetic therapy could revolutionize treatment strategies for a range of diseases characterized by complex gene-environment interactions.

Related terms

DNA Methylation: A biochemical process that involves the addition of a methyl group to DNA, often affecting gene expression by repressing or silencing genes.

Histone Modification: The process by which chemical groups are added to or removed from histone proteins, impacting the structure of chromatin and influencing gene accessibility and expression.

Chromatin Remodeling: The dynamic modification of chromatin architecture to allow access to transcription factors and other regulatory proteins, thereby influencing gene expression.