Exploring the epigenome in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasias
File(s)
Author(s)
Sharma, Rohini
Lythgoe, Mark P
Slaich, Bhavandeep
Patel, Nishil
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasias are a diverse group of neoplasms with different characteristics in terms of site, biological behaviour and metastatic potential. In comparison to other cancers, they are genetically quiet, harbouring relatively few somatic mutations. It is increasingly becoming evident that epigenetic changes are as relevant, if not more so, as somatic mutations in promoting oncogenesis. Despite significant tumour heterogeneity, it is obvious that DNA methylation, histone and chromatin modifications and microRNA expression profiles are distinctive for GEP-NEN subtypes and may correlate with clinical outcome. This review summarises existing knowledge on epigenetic changes, identifying potential contributions to pathogenesis and oncogenesis. In particular, we focus on epigenetic changes pertaining to well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours, which make up the bulk of NENs. We also highlight both similarities and differences within the subtypes of GEP-NETs and how these relate and compare to other types of cancers. We relate epigenetic understanding to existing treatments and explore how this knowledge may be exploited in the development of novel treatment approaches, such as in theranostics and combining conventional treatment modalities. We consider potential barriers to epigenetic research in GEP-NENs and discuss strategies to optimise research and development of new therapies.
Date Issued
2021-08-20
Date Acceptance
2021-08-17
Citation
Cancers, 2021, 13 (16), pp.1-18
ISSN
2072-6694
Publisher
MDPI AG
Start Page
1
End Page
18
Journal / Book Title
Cancers
Volume
13
Issue
16
Copyright Statement
© 2021 by the authors.
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
License URL
Identifier
http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000688907500001&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=1ba7043ffcc86c417c072aa74d649202
Subjects
Science & Technology
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Oncology
neuroendocrine neoplasias
epigenetic
methylation
miRNA
histone
TUMOR-SUPPRESSOR GENE
HISTONE DEACETYLASE INHIBITORS
ABERRANT DNA METHYLATION
PANCREATIC ENDOCRINE
PROGNOSTIC RELEVANCE
MICROSATELLITE INSTABILITY
EPIGENETIC INACTIVATION
MICRORNA EXPRESSION
MOLECULAR SUBTYPES
VALPROIC ACID
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
ARTN 4181
Date Publish Online
2021-08-20