EPIGENETIC MODIFICATIONS IN CANCER PROGRESSION AND TREATMENT RESISTANCE
Keywords:
Epigenetics, cancer progression, DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNA, tumor resistance, oncogenes, personalized medicine.Abstract
Epigenetic modifications are heritable yet reversible changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations in the DNA sequence itself. They play a crucial role in regulating cellular differentiation, genomic stability, and response to environmental stimuli. In cancer biology, these modifications—such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA regulation—serve as major drivers of tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Moreover, they significantly contribute to the development of treatment resistance, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy resistance. Understanding these mechanisms provides a molecular framework for designing epigenetic-based therapies, which offer promising opportunities for personalized cancer treatment. This article presents a comprehensive overview of how epigenetic dysregulation leads to cancer progression and treatment resistance, highlighting current research trends, therapeutic targets, and potential future directions in oncology.
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