About this Research Topic
Cancers are a group of multifactorial diseases characterized through impaired control of cellular proliferation, apoptotic regulation, or tissue context, based on the accumulation of genomic alterations with some impact from physical, biological, or chemical factors. In many cases, epigenetic alterations, such as changes in DNA methylation or histone acetylation, as well as the involvement of noncoding genomic elements such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) may play a causative role during carcinogenesis.
Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of epigenetic modifications in the development of tumors. Remarkably, epigenetic alterations play a role in the development of phenotypes resistant to current therapies. Hence, these modifications not only contribute to the hallmarks of cancer but can also be crucial factors contributing to tumor recurrence and the resistance to existing therapies.
Interestingly, some naturally occurring compounds - either alone or in combination with anti-tumoral therapies - have been discussed to induced an increased susceptibility of cancer cells to therapeutic interventions. For instance, phytochemicals may modify epigenetic alterations in early cancer stages; while in late stages they possibly could increase the susceptibility of tumor cells to therapies, and contribute to improving the survival of patients.
The goal of this topic is to provide the latest research on the role of epigenetic regulation in cancer and cancer therapies, with a focus on the evaluation of the involved molecular mechanisms. To meet this goal we will consider Original Research, Methods, Review, and Mini-Review articles. We specifically welcome submissions highlighting the role of natural compounds and phytochemicals in cancer epigenetic regulation and their therapeutic application, including
• Role of the interaction between DNA methylation, miRNA methylation, and long noncoding RNAs in cancer and their relationship with alternative/standard therapies.
• Role of epigenetic alterations in different types of anti-tumoral therapies and their impact on the mechanisms involved in promoting oncogenic pathways.
• Systematic evaluation of natural compounds administered in combination with current therapies on overall survival, tumor regression, tumor size reduction, and /or quality of life.
• Identification of therapeutic targets or biomarkers that may be epigenetically regulated by natural compounds, with a possible clinical application in the therapies against cancer.
• Identification and characterization of possible molecular mechanisms by which phytochemicals may modulate cancer epigenetics and enhance tumor susceptibility to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy.
Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of epigenetic modifications in the development of tumors. Remarkably, epigenetic alterations play a role in the development of phenotypes resistant to current therapies. Hence, these modifications not only contribute to the hallmarks of cancer but can also be crucial factors contributing to tumor recurrence and the resistance to existing therapies.
Interestingly, some naturally occurring compounds - either alone or in combination with anti-tumoral therapies - have been discussed to induced an increased susceptibility of cancer cells to therapeutic interventions. For instance, phytochemicals may modify epigenetic alterations in early cancer stages; while in late stages they possibly could increase the susceptibility of tumor cells to therapies, and contribute to improving the survival of patients.
The goal of this topic is to provide the latest research on the role of epigenetic regulation in cancer and cancer therapies, with a focus on the evaluation of the involved molecular mechanisms. To meet this goal we will consider Original Research, Methods, Review, and Mini-Review articles. We specifically welcome submissions highlighting the role of natural compounds and phytochemicals in cancer epigenetic regulation and their therapeutic application, including
• Role of the interaction between DNA methylation, miRNA methylation, and long noncoding RNAs in cancer and their relationship with alternative/standard therapies.
• Role of epigenetic alterations in different types of anti-tumoral therapies and their impact on the mechanisms involved in promoting oncogenic pathways.
• Systematic evaluation of natural compounds administered in combination with current therapies on overall survival, tumor regression, tumor size reduction, and /or quality of life.
• Identification of therapeutic targets or biomarkers that may be epigenetically regulated by natural compounds, with a possible clinical application in the therapies against cancer.
• Identification and characterization of possible molecular mechanisms by which phytochemicals may modulate cancer epigenetics and enhance tumor susceptibility to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy.
Keywords: Cancer, DNA methylation, non-coding RNAs, cancer therapies, natural compounds, resistance
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