What Role Does Epigenetics Play in Cancer Gene Expression?
Epigenetics involves changes in gene expression that do not alter the DNA sequence but affect how cells read genes. Common epigenetic modifications include DNA methylation and histone modification. In cancer, abnormal epigenetic changes can silence tumor suppressor genes or activate oncogenes, contributing to tumorigenesis. For example, hypermethylation of the promoter region of the BRCA1 gene can lead to breast cancer.
