What are Some Common Types of Chemical Modifications in Cancer?
Several chemical modifications are commonly associated with cancer:
1. DNA Methylation: The addition of methyl groups to the DNA molecule, usually at cytosine bases, can regulate gene expression. Aberrant DNA methylation patterns are a hallmark of many cancers. 2. Histone Modification: Histones can undergo various modifications, such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination, which affect chromatin structure and gene expression. 3. Phosphorylation: The addition of phosphate groups to proteins by kinases can activate or deactivate signaling pathways that control cell growth and survival. Dysregulated phosphorylation is often seen in cancer. 4. Ubiquitination: The attachment of ubiquitin molecules to proteins can mark them for degradation or alter their function. Changes in ubiquitination patterns can disrupt normal cellular processes and contribute to cancer.
