Single-Cell Epigenomics in Cancer: Charting a Course to Clinical Impact

Abstract

Cancer is a disease of global epigenetic dysregulation. Mutations in epigenetic regulators are common events in multiple cancer types and epigenetic therapies are emerging as a treatment option in several malignancies.

A major challenge for the clinical management of cancer is the heterogeneous nature of this disease. Cancers are composed of numerous cell types and evolve over time. This heterogeneity confounds decisions regarding treatment and promotes disease relapse.

The emergence of single-cell epigenomic technologies has introduced the exciting possibility of linking genetic and transcriptional heterogeneity in the context of cancer biology. The next challenge is to leverage these tools for improved patient outcomes. Here we consider how single-cell epigenomic technologies may address the current challenges faced by cancer clinicians.

Keywords::

• cancer
• epigenetics
• intra-tumoral heterogeneity
• sequencing
• single-cell analysis

Supplementary data

To view the supplementary data that accompany this paper please visit the journal website at: www.tandfonline.com/doi/suppl/10.2217/epi-2020-0046

Acknowledgments

HJ Lee thanks C Gedye and R Scott for helpful discussions regarding the challenges of cancer treatment and clinical implementation of new management strategies.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

HJ Lee has received research funding from: The Cancer Institute NSW, Australia (ECF171145); The National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia (GNT1143614, GNT1143614); The Ian Potter Foundation, Australia (20180029); The National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia (2018 Metcalf Prize); The Australian Research Council (DP200102903). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

HJ Lee has received research funding from: The Cancer Institute NSW, Australia (ECF171145); The National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia (GNT1143614, GNT1143614); The Ian Potter Foundation, Australia (20180029); The National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia (2018 Metcalf Prize); The Australian Research Council (DP200102903). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financialconflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript