Epigenetic Reactivation of Tumor Suppressor Genes by a Novel Small-Molecule Inhibitor of Human DNA Methyltransferases

An important way for gene expression regulation in both normal and malignant cells is DNA methylation (a common method of gene silencing). Furthermore, by development of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors the possibility to reactivate epigenetically silenced genes has generated. (Cancer Res 2005; 65(14): 6305-11)

From biochemistry point of view it is very important to find enzyme inhibitors for particular pathway it will help to study or regulate this pathway. This article provides a novel small molecule (RG108) which acts as an inhibitor for DNA methyltransferases in vitro and results in demthaylation and reactivation of tumor suppressor gene. The results of this study maybe very promising for cancers therapy.

I am also interested in this topic because it is amazing how the environment and drugs can have grate influence on some of our genes.

Submitted by: Mazin ZAMZAMI
School of Molecular and Microbial Sciences
University of Queensland
06 September 2006

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