Epigenome and Cancer: From Biology to Therapy
In cancer, extensive epigenetic reprogramming results in aberrant gene expression with the potential to drive oncogenesis. In contrast to oncogenic genetic mutations, epigenetic modifications of DNA and histones are reversible, and targeting specific epigenetic players is an emerging area of therapeutics. Stephen Baylin, MD, a pioneer in the epigenetics of cancer, has made major contributions in this field spanning the continuum from the recognition of epigenetic changes to elucidating their role in normal cellular processes and oncogenesis to the development of therapeutic approaches to target specific players.
