2 research outputs found
Targeting epigenetic alterations in cancer stem cells
Oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes are rarely mutated in several pediatric
tumors and some early stage adult cancers. This suggests that an aberrant
epigenetic reprogramming may crucially affect the tumorigenesis of these
tumors. Compelling evidence support the hypothesis that cancer stem cells
(CSCs), a cell subpopulation within the tumor bulk characterized by selfrenewal
capacity, metastatic potential and chemo-resistance, may derive
from normal stem cells (NSCs) upon an epigenetic deregulation. Thus, a
better understanding of the specific epigenetic alterations driving the
transformation from NSCs into CSCs may help to identify efficacious
treatments to target this aggressive subpopulation. Moreover, deepening the
knowledge about these alterations may represent the framework to design
novel therapeutic approaches also in the field of regenerative medicine in which
bioengineering of NSCs has been evaluated. Here, we provide a broad overview
about: 1) the role of aberrant epigenetic modifications contributing to CSC
initiation, formation and maintenance, 2) the epigenetic inhibitors in clinical trial
able to specifically target the CSC subpopulation, and 3) epigenetic drugs and
stem cells used in regenerative medicine for cancer and diseases