An Update on the Epigenetics of Glioblastomas

Abstract

Glioblastomas, also known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), are the most aggressive and malignant type of primary brain tumor in adults, exhibiting notable variability at the histopathological, genetic and epigenetic levels. Recently, epigenetic alterations have emerged as a common hallmark of many tumors, including GBM. Considering that a deeper understanding of the epigenetic modifications that occur in GBM may increase the knowledge regarding the tumorigenesis, progression and recurrence of this disease, in this review we discuss the recent major advances in GBM epigenetics research involving histone modification, glioblastoma stem cells, DNA methylation, noncoding RNAs expression, including their main alterations and the use of epigenetic therapy as a valid option for GBM treatment.

Keywords::

• astrocytomas
• biomarkers
• brain tumors
• cancer
• DNA methylation
• epigenetic regulation
• genetic
• glioblastoma
• gliomas
• targeted therapy

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Pará (grant number: ICAAF 157/2014); Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (grant number: 455078/2014-9); Universidade Federal do Pará. 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

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Pará (grant number: ICAAF 157/2014); Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (grant number: 455078/2014-9); Universidade Federal do Pará. 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.