Faculty Collaboration Database

The sunset of somatic genetics and the dawn of epigenetics: a new frontier in pancreatic cancer research. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2008 Sep;24(5):597-602

Date

01/06/2009

Pubmed ID

19122501

Pubmed Central ID

PMC2941574

DOI

10.1097/MOG.0b013e32830b111d

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-55549090720   18 Citations

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The excitement of finding a cancer modulator which is either mutated or deleted in vivo (genetics), unfortunately, is shadowed by the fact that we scientists have failed to live to the promise of gene therapy, and therefore, these genes cannot be replaced to cure the patients. On the contrary, both DNA methylation and chromatin-mediated inactivation of tumor suppressor genes (epigenetics), for example, are reversible as demonstrated by the relative success of emerging therapies. Therefore, epigenetics with its molecular basis (DNA methylation and chromatin modification) is among the most promising areas of cancer research and is a nascent field in pancreatic cancer research.

RECENT FINDINGS: Here, we review and update novel findings on epigenetics as it applies to pancreatic cancer.

SUMMARY: Special focus has been given to novel potential therapeutic targets and currently available drugs, which are emerging from this exciting new field of pancreatic cancer research.

Author List

Lomberk G, Mathison AJ, Grzenda A, Urrutia R

Authors

Gwen Lomberk PhD Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Angela Mathison PhD Assistant Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Raul A. Urrutia MD Center Director, Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Cell Cycle Proteins
DNA Methylation
Epigenesis, Genetic
Forecasting
Genes, Neoplasm
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
Genetic Therapy
Humans
Pancreatic Neoplasms
Research