[Genetic and epigenetic markers of gliomas]

Abstract

Malignant gliomas, aggressive and highly invasive tumors with a great number of genetic and epigenetic alterations in genes involved in the cell cycle regulation, the apoptotic pathways, cell invasion ability, and angiogenesis, are considered to be among the deadliest of human cancers. The role of epigenetic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of malignant transformation despite recent progress is not yet clear elucidated and remains under intensive study. This review describes the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation of gene expression, including post-translational modification of histones, DNA methylation in the promoter regions, and microRNA regulation. The genetic and epigenetic factors driving the pathogenesis of gliomas in their possible mutual influence and the potential epigenetic targets that can be used in the development of diagnostics and new therapeutic approaches are also discussed.