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Review
. 2013:2013:317569.
doi: 10.1155/2013/317569. Epub 2013 Dec 23.

DNA methylation pattern as important epigenetic criterion in cancer

Mehrdad Ghavifekr Fakhr  1 , Majid Farshdousti Hagh  1 , Dariush Shanehbandi  1 , Behzad Baradaran  1
Affiliations
Review

DNA methylation pattern as important epigenetic criterion in cancer

Mehrdad Ghavifekr Fakhr et al. Genet Res Int. 2013.

Abstract

Epigenetic modifications can affect the long-term gene expression without any change in nucleotide sequence of the DNA. Epigenetic processes intervene in the cell differentiation, chromatin structure, and activity of genes since the embryonic period. However, disorders in genes' epigenetic pattern can affect the mechanisms such as cell division, apoptosis, and response to the environmental stimuli which may lead to the incidence of different diseases and cancers. Since epigenetic changes may return to their natural state, they could be used as important targets in the treatment of cancer and similar malignancies. The aim of this review is to assess the epigenetic changes in normal and cancerous cells, the causative factors, and epigenetic therapies and treatments.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Methylation of cytosine in carbon 5.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Epigenetic modifications of histone amino acids [77].
Figure 3
Figure 3
Crosstalk between genomic methylation, histone modifications, and the effects of microRNAs on gene expression.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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