Category Archives: Epigenetic Regulation

Beleodaq, a new pan-HDAC inhibitor approved for peripheral T-cell lymphoma

HDAC inhibitors work by blocking Histone De-ACetylase enzyme, which removes acetyl groups from the proteins that encase DNA, that is histones.  They are triggered by CpG sequences on DNA promoters; HDACs put chromatin in a configuration that favors LACK of transcription.  So, blocking HDACs favors transcription – see prior postContinue reading

Epigenetic signature in blood for breast cancer risk

As reported in Genomic Medicine on June 27, an epigenetic signature in patients with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations was found by examining DNA methylation (DNAme) patterns on whole blood samples.  Importantly, this signature predicted for a high risk of developing breast cancer even in those patients who did NOT have BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Continue reading

Epigenetic-modulation in myelodysplastic syndrome – DNA methylation and histone acetylation

Epigenetic regulation is critical for gene expression.  Epigenetic pathways are frequently dysregulated in cancer, which can lead to suppression of tumor suppressor genes and expression of oncogenes. Continue reading