The epigenetic landscape in intestinal stem cells and its deregulation in colorectal cancer.

Stem Cells

Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, United Kingdom.

Published: June 2024

Epigenetic mechanisms play a pivotal role in controlling gene expression and cellular plasticity in both normal physiology and pathophysiological conditions. These mechanisms are particularly important in the regulation of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, both in embryonic development and within adult tissues. A prime example of this finely tuned epigenetic control is observed in the gastrointestinal lining, where the small intestine undergoes renewal approximately every 3-5 days. How various epigenetic mechanisms modulate chromatin functions in intestinal stem cells (ISCs) is currently an active area of research. In this review, we discuss the main epigenetic mechanisms that control ISC differentiation under normal homeostasis. Furthermore, we explore the dysregulation of these mechanisms in the context of colorectal cancer (CRC) development. By outlining the main epigenetic mechanisms contributing to CRC, we highlight the recent therapeutics development and future directions for colorectal cancer research.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11177158PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/stmcls/sxae027DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

epigenetic mechanisms
16
colorectal cancer
12
intestinal stem
8
stem cells
8
main epigenetic
8
epigenetic
6
mechanisms
6
epigenetic landscape
4
landscape intestinal
4
cells deregulation
4

Similar Publications

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a highly malignant tumor characterized by a significant propensity for recurrence and metastasis. DNA methylation has emerged as a critical epigenetic mechanism with substantial utility in cancer diagnosis. In this study, multi-omics data were utilized to investigate the target genes regulated by the transcription factor MYC-associated zinc finger protein (MAZ) in ccRCC, leading to the identification of thymidine phosphorylase (TYMP) as a gene with notably elevated expression in ccRCC.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Ferroptosis: A Targetable Vulnerability for Melanoma Treatment.

J Invest Dermatol

January 2025

Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Changsha, China; Furong Laboratory, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China. Electronic address:

Melanoma is a devastating form of skin cancer characterized by a high mutational burden, limited treatment success, and dismal prognosis. Although immunotherapy and targeted therapies have significantly revolutionized melanoma treatment, the majority of patients fail to achieve durable responses, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death driven by the overwhelming accumulation of lipid peroxides, has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach in preclinical melanoma models.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is the leading cause of thyroid dysfunction globally, characterized primarily by two distinct clinical manifestations: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and Graves' disease (GD). The prevalence of AITD is approximately twice as high in women compared to men, with a particularly pronounced risk during the reproductive years. Pregnancy exerts profound effects on thyroid physiology and immune regulation due to hormonal fluctuations and immune adaptations aimed at fostering maternal-fetal tolerance, potentially triggering or exacerbating AITD.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The Role of Chronic Inflammation in Pediatric Cancer.

Cancers (Basel)

January 2025

Division of Hematology Oncology, Akron Children's Hospital, One Perkins Square, Akron, OH 44308, USA.

Inflammation plays a crucial role in wound healing and the host immune response following pathogenic invasion. However, unresolved chronic inflammation can result in tissue fibrosis and genetic alterations that contribute to the pathogenesis of human diseases such as cancer. Recent scientific advancements exploring the underlying mechanisms of malignant cellular transformations and cancer progression have exposed significant disparities between pediatric and adult-onset cancers.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

: CSCs are critical drivers of the tumor and stem cell phenotypes of glioblastoma (GBM) cells. Chromatin modifications play a fundamental role in driving a GBM CSC phenotype. The goal of this study is to further our understanding of how stem cell-driving events control changes in chromatin architecture that contribute to the tumor-propagating phenotype of GBM.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!