Epigenetic Change
HCC is one of the deadliest cancer worldwide and it’s the fifth cancer in the world. Several epigenetic factors underlie the progressiveness of HCC, including invasion, distant metastasis and hematological dissemination. Epigenetics are related to heritable phenotypic change that does not derive from a modification of the genome that may result from environmental factors, or be part of normal developmental program. Epigenetics alteration has been reported in HCC, include, DNA hyper\hypo-methylation, histone disruption and non-coding RNAs as manifested by altered expression of mirco-RNA [14] [15]. Those epigenetic changes can be used for diagnostic purposed, as well for prognosis. For example, liver specific DNA methylation can be guide the
clinician for early urgent screening for HCC in cirrhotic patients [16]. Furthermore, under-expression of miR-122 was associated with poorer prognosis in HCC patients [17]. Similarly, histone modifying genes (EZH2 and SUV39HZ) and protein produced by phosphorylation of histone (ARK1 and ARK2) were all poor predictors of outcome and invasiveness [18] [19]. Recent study by Mansour et al. found that hypermethylation of RASSF1A positively correlated with increased tumor size but not with alpha-fetoprotein level and aggravate the hepatocarcinogenic process. The authors suggested the incorporation of RASSF1A measurement as a screening tool in patients at risk for HCC development [20]
All of those epigenetics biomarkers are promising target in HCC that provide clinicians better diagnostic and prognostic tool and in the future, epigenetic directed therapy might be developed.
clinician for early urgent screening for HCC in cirrhotic patients [16]. Furthermore, under-expression of miR-122 was associated with poorer prognosis in HCC patients [17]. Similarly, histone modifying genes (EZH2 and SUV39HZ) and protein produced by phosphorylation of histone (ARK1 and ARK2) were all poor predictors of outcome and invasiveness [18] [19]. Recent study by Mansour et al. found that hypermethylation of RASSF1A positively correlated with increased tumor size but not with alpha-fetoprotein level and aggravate the hepatocarcinogenic process. The authors suggested the incorporation of RASSF1A measurement as a screening tool in patients at risk for HCC development [20]
All of those epigenetics biomarkers are promising target in HCC that provide clinicians better diagnostic and prognostic tool and in the future, epigenetic directed therapy might be developed.