Epigenetic mechanisms of breast cancer: an update of the current knowledge

Abstract

Epigenetic alterations are heritable changes in gene expression that occur without causing any change in DNA sequence. They are important key factors for cancer development and prognosis. Breast cancer is induced by the accumulation of altered gene regulation. Besides genetic mutations, epigenetics mechanisms have an important role in breast cancer tumorigenesis. Investigations related with aberrant epigenetic regulations in breast cancer focus on initiating molecular mechanisms in cancer development, identification of new biomarkers to predict breast cancer aggressiveness and the potential of epigenetic therapy. In this review, we will summarize the recent knowledge about the role of epigenetic alterations related with DNA methylation and histone modification in breast cancer. In addition, altered regulation of breast cancer specific genes and the potential of epigenetic therapy will be discussed according to epigenetic mechanisms.

Keywords::

• BRCA1
• breast cancer
• DNA methylation
• epigenetics
• epigenetic therapy
• estrogen
• EZH2
• histone modification

Acknowledgements

The authors thank T Gunnels for corrections to the English language in the manuscript.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

S Karsli-Ceppioglu was supported by The Scientific and Technology Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK-2219) project grants and A Dagdemir was funded by Protema Saglik Hizm. A.S. 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

S Karsli-Ceppioglu was supported by The Scientific and Technology Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK-2219) project grants and A Dagdemir was funded by Protema Saglik Hizm. A.S. 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.