Cancer Epigenetics PDF

Preface

Since the field of cancer epigenetics is relatively new, the number of books focusing on this topic is currently rather small. However, given the international interest in this field and its recent expansion, a new book on cancer epigenetics seems appropriate. This book covers aspects of cancer epigenetics ranging from the role of epigenetics in the basic mechanisms of tumorigenesis to the newest epigenetic drugs being developed or used for cancer therapy. Five key aspects of cancer epigenetics are highlighted: (1) DNA methylation and cancer, (2) histone modifications in cancer, (3) other epigenetic aspects of cancer, (4) epigenetics in the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of cancer, and (5) future directions in epigenetic cancer research.

The field of cancer epigenetics is now the focus of many of the most exciting and significant advances in cancer research. DNA methylation has long been associated with cancer and it is now apparent that alterations in DNA methylation are not only intimately involved in tumorigenesis but also diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic approaches relating to DNA methylation are on the horizon. Histone modifications such as changes in acetylation and methylation are also rapidly emerging as major epigenetic factors in tumorigenesis. In addition, modifications of histones are important in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cancer.

Many dietary and environmental factors have been shown to modulate epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation and histone modification, and may have important implications not only in cancer prevention but also in slowing cancer progression and in cancer therapy. Epigenetic processes such as key RNA modifications and chromosome position effects as well as changes mediated by the polycomb group of proteins are gaining increasing importance in cancer. Major aspects of cancer such as its age relatedness appear to be influenced by epigenetic processes.

This book is intended for those with interests ranging from the basic mechanisms of tumor biology to cancer therapy. Undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, university researchers, pharmaceutical companies interested in anticancer drug development, and biotechnology companies should find this book useful in illuminating the most recent advances in epigenetic cancer research.

It is clear that epigenetics is rapidly moving to the forefront of cancer research and the purpose of this book is to provide the most up-to-date and relevant information pertaining to the role and potential of epigenetics in cancer.