About this Research Topic
Epigenetic modifications encompass a range of mechanisms that alter gene expression without changing the DNA sequence itself. These include DNA methylation, histone modification, variations in DNA replication timing, nucleosome positioning, and changes in heterochromatin states. Such epigenetic alterations are known to interact with cellular metabolism, influencing the expression of metabolic genes. This interaction can lead to metabolic reprogramming and alterations in cellular redox states. The reprogramming of metabolism further influences the activity of enzymes that generate transcription factors, which in turn can induce further epigenetic changes and affect the expression of specific genes. Given this intricate interplay, epigenetics profoundly impacts the initiation, development, progression, immunosuppression, metastasis, and drug resistance of cancer.
Given the complexity and heterogeneity of cancer, the same epigenetic processes can have divergent, sometimes opposing, roles across different cancer types. Moreover, previously unidentified epigenetic modifications may emerge as significant. The goal of this research topic is to elucidate the impact of epigenetic mechanisms, both known and novel, on specific cancer types, aiming to identify new therapeutic targets. To accomplish this objective, a comprehensive approach involving cell-based assays, animal models, and clinical studies is essential. In recent years, the rise of bioinformatics and artificial intelligence has provided new tools for uncovering regulatory pathways affecting the epigenome. These technologies offer promising avenues for discovering new mechanisms and are highly recommended for integration into research efforts to accelerate the identification of potential cancer treatments.
We welcome studies, including but not limited to, the following themes for submission:
• Novel epigenetic mechanisms in cancer
• Unreported effects of known epigenetic processes in cancer
• Undiscovered epigenetic changes or potential epigenetic targets in cancer
• Clinical trials targeting the epigenome in cancer
Given the complexity and heterogeneity of cancer, the same epigenetic processes can have divergent, sometimes opposing, roles across different cancer types. Moreover, previously unidentified epigenetic modifications may emerge as significant. The goal of this research topic is to elucidate the impact of epigenetic mechanisms, both known and novel, on specific cancer types, aiming to identify new therapeutic targets. To accomplish this objective, a comprehensive approach involving cell-based assays, animal models, and clinical studies is essential. In recent years, the rise of bioinformatics and artificial intelligence has provided new tools for uncovering regulatory pathways affecting the epigenome. These technologies offer promising avenues for discovering new mechanisms and are highly recommended for integration into research efforts to accelerate the identification of potential cancer treatments.
We welcome studies, including but not limited to, the following themes for submission:
• Novel epigenetic mechanisms in cancer
• Unreported effects of known epigenetic processes in cancer
• Undiscovered epigenetic changes or potential epigenetic targets in cancer
• Clinical trials targeting the epigenome in cancer
Keywords: Epigenetic Modifications Metabolic Reprogramming Cancer Therapeutic Targets Bioinformatics and Artificial Intelligence
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
