Epigenetics and its Therapeutic Potential in Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

It is estimated that colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death around the globe. ‘Epigenetics’ refers to changes in the chromosome rather than the DNA sequence, which may be transmitted down to daughter cells. Epigenetics is an essential part of controlling the development and variation of a single cell. ncRNAs have a role in epigenetic regulation in CRC, which will be discussed in this review in the context of DNA methylation and histone modifications. A greater survival rate for CRC patients might be achieved by addressing epigenetic mediators, as the authors show. In this review, they aim to thoroughly examine the role of epigenetics in the prognosis, diagnosis and treatment of CRC.

Plain language summary

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death around the world. There are different methods and strategies to diagnose and treat CRC, but there are some hurdles in the prediction and early diagnosis of this disease. Epigenetics is considered to be alterations occurring in the chromosome rather than in the DNA sequence without changing its biochemical identity. Nowadays, it appears that epigenetics plays a critical role in overcoming some obstacles in the diagnosis and treatment of CRC. Targeting epigenetic mediators may provide a higher survival rate for CRC patients. In this review, the authors predict that combinational therapy (including epigenetics) may be one of the best options for most cancers, including CRC.

Keywords: :

• colorectal cancer
• epigenetic drugs
• epigenetic mediators
• epigenetics
• methylation

Author contributions

MA Oryani, A Tavasoli, MA Ghalavand and RZ Ashtiani wrote the original draft. MA Ghalavand, A Rezaee, R Mahmoudi, H Golvari, S Owrangi and M Soleymani-Goloujeh created the figures. MA Oryani, A Tavasoli and M Soleymani-Goloujeh were responsible for the study conception and design. M Soleymani-Goloujeh reviewed and edited the final manuscript. All authors have approved the final manuscript.

Financial&competing interests disclosure

The authors have no 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. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending or royalties.

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