Global analysis of H3K27me3 as an epigenetic marker in prostate cancer progression.

Background: H3K27me3 histone marks shape the inhibition of gene transcription. In prostate cancer, the deregulation of H3K27me3 marks might play a role in prostate tumor progression.

Methods: We investigated genome-wide H3K27me3 histone methylation profile using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and 2X400K promoter microarrays to identify differentially-enriched regions in biopsy samples from prostate cancer patients.

The Role of Soy Phytoestrogens on Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms of Prostate Cancer.

Soy phytoestrogens are dietary components with considerable effects on reducing the incidence of prostate cancer. Epidemiological studies demonstrated that occurrence of prostate cancer is relatively low in Asia and Southern Europe, a status associated with consuming of soy isoflavones, such as genistein, daidzein, and glycitein. Soy phytoestrogens exert their activity on molecular mechanisms, including cell-cycle control, induction of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, and metastasis.

Genome-wide DNA methylation modified by soy phytoestrogens: role for epigenetic therapeutics in prostate cancer?

In prostate cancer, DNA methylation is significantly associated with tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Previous studies have suggested that soy phytoestrogens might regulate DNA methylation at individual candidate gene loci and that they play a crucial role as potential therapeutic agents for prostate cancer. The purpose of our study was to examine the modulation effects of phytoestrogens on a genome-wide scale in regards to DNA methylation in prostate cancer.

Epigenetic mechanisms of breast cancer: an update of the current knowledge.

Epigenetic alterations are heritable changes in gene expression that occur without causing any change in DNA sequence. They are important key factors for cancer development and prognosis. Breast cancer is induced by the accumulation of altered gene regulation.