Genetic and epigenetic changes in cancer diagnosis and treatment

摘要

Methylation of DNA in regions involved in transcriptional regulation can induce the binding of ICBP90 and the subsequent formation of multiprotein complexes which alter gene transcription. DNA methylation in tumor suppressor genes, or in other genes which are involved in mitigating tumorigenesis, can induce binding of ICBP90 to those genes. Bound ICBP90 can interact with a pRb2/p130 regulatory complexes to remodel chromatin and inhibit transcription of the gene. DNA methyltransferases, ICBP90, and the proteins comprising the pRb2/p130 complex are therefore therapeutic targets for the treatment of cancer. Abnormalities in these proteins can also be markers of cancerous or precancerous conditions.