Abstract
The cancer epigenome is characterised by specific DNA methylation and chromatin modification patterns. The proteins that mediate these changes are encoded by the epigenetics genes here defined as: DNA methyltransferases (DNMT), methyl-CpG-binding domain (MBD) proteins, histone acetyltransferases (HAT), histone deacetylases (HDAC), histone methyltransferases (HMT) and histone demethylases. We review the evidence that these genes can be targeted by mutations and expression changes in human cancers.
MeSH terms
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DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / genetics
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DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
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Epigenesis, Genetic*
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Genetic Variation
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Germ-Line Mutation
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Histone Acetyltransferases / genetics
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Histone Deacetylases / genetics
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Histone Methyltransferases
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Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase / genetics
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Humans
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Neoplasms / genetics*
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Neoplasms / metabolism
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Oxidoreductases, N-Demethylating / genetics
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Protein Methyltransferases
Substances
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Oxidoreductases, N-Demethylating
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Histone Methyltransferases
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Protein Methyltransferases
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DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases
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Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase
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Histone Acetyltransferases
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Histone Deacetylases