Epigenetic Changes Play a Critical Role in Cancer Development

A new study suggests that epigenetic changes can drive cancers.

Most studies are focussed on genes associated with cancers. The latest study by Baylor College of Medicine researchers has shown that even epigenetic changes - that don't modify DNA, but change the way it is 'read' - can be a key player in cancer growth.

Researchers said that DNA methylation, the addition of a methyl group (or molecule), is particularly important in cancer development.

"We knew that epigenetic changes are associated with cancer, but didn't know whether these were a cause or consequence of cancer. Developing this new approach for 'epigenetic engineering' allowed us to test whether DNA methylation changes alone can drive cancer," said Dr. Lanlan Shen, associate professor of pediatrics at Baylor and senior author of the study.

DNA methylation acts as a switch that turns off the activity of a gene.

In the current study, researchers decided to focus their attention on p16, a gene that normally functions to prevent cancer. This gene is commonly methylated (switched off) in several types of cancers. The team developed a mouse model that had high levels of methylation and as a consequence, several spontaneous cancers.

"This is not only the first in vivo evidence that epigenetic alteration alone can cause cancer," said Shen, according to a news release. "This also has profound implications for future studies, because epigenetic changes are potentially reversible. Our findings therefore both provide hope for new epigenetic therapies and validate a novel approach for testing them."

Several research groups worldwide are looking at the role of epigenetic changes not only in the context of cancers, but also in neurological disorders and diabetes.

The study is published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.