DNA methylation: A promising target for the twenty-first century

Paula A Abreu Federal Fluminense University, Biology Institute, Department of Celular and Molecular Biology, CEP 24020-150 Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil +55 21 26292294; +55 21 26292284; [email protected]; Federal Fluminense University, Biology Institute, Neuroimmunology Postgraduate course, CEP 24020-150 Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Gisela Dellamora-Ortiz Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Faculty of Pharmacy, CEP 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

Luiz R Leão-Ferreira Federal Fluminense University, Biology Institute, Department of Celular and Molecular Biology, CEP 24020-150 Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil +55 21 26292294; +55 21 26292284; [email protected]

Maria Gouveia Federal Fluminense University, Biology Institute, Neuroimmunology Postgraduate course, CEP 24020-150 Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Esteban Braggio National Institute of Cancer, Marrow Bone Transplant Center, CEP 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

Ilana Zalcberg National Institute of Cancer, Marrow Bone Transplant Center, CEP 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

Dilvani O Santos Federal Fluminense University, Biology Institute, Department of Celular and Molecular Biology, CEP 24020-150 Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil +55 21 26292294; +55 21 26292284; [email protected]

Saulo Bourguinhon Federal Fluminense University, Biology Institute, Department of Celular and Molecular Biology, CEP 24020-150 Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil +55 21 26292294; +55 21 26292284; [email protected]

Lucio M Cabral Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Faculty of Pharmacy, CEP 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

Carlos R Rodrigues Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Faculty of Pharmacy, CEP 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

Helena C Castro Federal Fluminense University, Biology Institute, Department of Celular and Molecular Biology, CEP 24020-150 Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil +55 21 26292294; +55 21 26292284; [email protected]; Federal Fluminense University, Biology Institute, Neuroimmunology Postgraduate course, CEP 24020-150 Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

show all

Abstract

Background: Over the last few years DNA methylation and its involvement in diseases such as cancer has become of great interest for applied research. Since reversal of aberrant DNA methylation may influence the behavior of tumors, the methylation of DNA CpG sites is a potential target for the development of inhibitors for use in cancer treatment. Objective/methods: We briefly review the structural and mechanistic features of DNA methylation, including a structural analysis of the three main human DNA methyltransferases and some (pre)clinical results. Results/conclusion: Despite side effects, data obtained to date still support the vision that DNA-methylation, possibly associated with the use of histone deacetylases (HDACs) and/or artificial transcription factors (ATFs), is a promising target for improving anticancer therapy in the 21st century.

Keywords::

Acknowledgements

Fellowships granted to Helena C Castro by FAPERJ are gratefully acknowledged. This work was partially supported by CNPq, FAPERJ, and UFF.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Order Reprints Request Corporate Permissions

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

Request Academic Permissions

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.

DNA methylation: A promising target for the twenty-first century

Information for

Open access

Opportunities

Help and information

DNA methylation: A promising target for the twenty-first century

Abstract

Acknowledgements

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Academic Permissions

Related research

To cite this article:

Download citation

Information for

Open access

Opportunities

Help and information

Keep up to date

Your download is now in progress and you may close this window

Login or register to access this feature