The significance of histone modifications in malignant transformation
Gomulak, P.; Błasiak, J.
Postepy Biochemii 58(3): 292-301
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 0032-5422 PMID: 23373415 Document Number: 662895
Posttranslational modifications of histones belong to epigenetic mechanisms involved in normal development and maintaining the pattern of gene expression. Histone modifications can influence the global and local organization of chromatin structure. The effects of histone modifications can have mutual synergistic or antagonistic influence regulating access of chromatin-binding proteins and in this way determining the transition between transcriptionally active and inactive chromatin. Deregulation of this mechanism may be associated with many pathological conditions, including cancer. The question whether histone modifications belong to the reasons or the consequences of neoplastic transformation remaines unanswered. Based on research on restoring silenced gene expression through administration of histone deacetylase inhibitor or by knockout of the gene encoding the histone methyltransferase in cancer, it seems that at least some modifications of histones may have a causal nature. Histone modifications may be reversible which is a rationale to generate a new set of anticancer drugs--inhibitors of enzymes that modify histones.