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HERO ID
6727732
Reference Type
Journal Article
Subtype
Review
Title
Epigenomes as therapeutic targets
Author(s)
Hamm, CA; Costa, FF
Year
2015
Is Peer Reviewed?
1
Journal
Pharmacology and Therapeutics
ISSN:
0163-7258
EISSN:
1879-016X
Volume
151
Page Numbers
72-86
Language
English
PMID
25797698
DOI
10.1016/j.pharmthera.2015.03.003
Web of Science Id
WOS:000356546200007
Abstract
Epigenetics is a molecular phenomenon that pertains to heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve changes in the DNA sequence. Epigenetic modifications in a whole genome, known as the epigenome, play an essential role in the regulation of gene expression in both normal development and disease. Traditional epigenetic changes include DNA methylation and histone modifications. Recent evidence reveals that other players, such as non-coding RNAs, may have an epigenetic regulatory role. Aberrant epigenetic signaling is becoming to be known as a central component of human disease, and the reversible nature of the epigenetic modifications provides an exciting opportunity for the development of clinically relevant therapeutics. Current epigenetic therapies provide a clinical benefit through disrupting DNA methyltransferases or histone deacetylases. However, the emergence of next-generation epigenetic therapies provides an opportunity to more effectively disrupt epigenetic disease states. Novel epigenetic therapies may improve drug targeting and drug delivery, optimize dosing schedules, and improve the efficacy of preexisting treatment modalities (chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy). This review discusses the epigenetic mechanisms that contribute to the disease, available epigenetic therapies, epigenetic therapies currently in development, and the potential future use of epigenetic therapeutics in a clinical setting.
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