The observation that changes in DNA methylation potentially play a role in neoplastic transformation has existed for nearly 30 years. Foreword.

摘要

The observation that changes in DNA methylation potentially play a role in neoplastic transformation has existed for nearly 30 years. Since these early findings distinguishing DNA methylation patterns between neoplastic cells and normal cells, the importance of DNA methylation in the development of cancer has become more and more evident. These pivotal discoveries have brought targeting of the epigenome to the forefront of modern cancer therapeutic research. This article reviews the current knowledge of DNA methylation as it relates to cancer and carcinogenesis as well as the evolving role of agents which target the epigenome.