This Research Topic is the second volume of the Research Topic " Organelle Targeting: Focus on Drug Discovery and Theranostics ". Please see the first volume
here.
Epigenetic modifications play a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of epithelial malignancies. The epigenetic mechanisms responsible for tumor occurrence and development include, but are not limited to chromatin remodeling, histone modifications, DNA methylations, or indirect control through noncoding RNAs. New pharmacological treatments have been developed as a result of the intensive understanding of epigenetic mechanisms underlying tumor development. multiple experimental evaluations and clinical trials have revealed that drugs targeting epigenetic modifiers combined with conventional chemotherapy as well as immunotherapy could enhance tumor sensitivity and reverse acquired resistance. Our understanding of the links between epigenetic alterations and cancer and their influences on the therapeutics of human cancer is the tip of the iceberg. Drugs based on epigenetic mechanisms aim to correct the expression of disease-related genes, such as DNA methylase inhibitors, histone-modifying enzyme inhibitors, and other epigenetic-related protein-specific inhibitors have become a new approach to tumor therapy.
Epigenetic modification does not affect DNA sequence but can affect chromatin activity and DNA genetic information through DNA methylation/demethylation, reversible modification of various types of histones, and non-coding RNA molecules At present, epigenetic drugs have achieved significant results in a variety of tumors. Many epigenetic drugs are in clinical trials, and some have been put into clinical use. This Research Topic aims to assess the role of epigenetic events in the prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment of epithelial malignancies and develop personalized medicine targeting epigenetic modifiers with a prediction of individual drug responses and minimization of adverse effects. Epigenetics can be applied to innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for epithelial malignancies through research on this topic, which is likely to shed light on the molecular mechanisms of epigenetic factors.
This Research topic will encourage the authors to submit original research, review articles, and opinions. This will provide a deeper insight into the development, properties, and mechanistic studies of epigenetic events in epithelial malignancies. We welcome reviews, mini-reviews, and original research articles that provide an in-depth understanding of, but are not limited to, the following subthemes:
• Epigenetic events in the development, prognosis, and diagnosis of epithelial malignancies.
• The association of epigenetics with therapeutic resistance and tumor recurrence.
• Screening and verification of new therapeutic targets to epigenetic modifiers and factors.
• Epigenetic modifiers and factors in epithelial malignancies may be targeted in personalized medicine.
• Epigenetic drugs combined with conventional chemotherapy as well as immunotherapy in epithelial malignancies.