Epigenetics and Cancer

DNA
 Cancers genomes exhibit global dysregulation of
epigenetic landscapes.
 Includes changes in DNA methylation, histone
modifications, chromatin remodelling, ncRNAs, and
DNA adducts.

Histones
 Hundreds of recurrent mutations in genes encoding
epigenetic regulators.
 Altered epigenetic states contribute to the initiation and
progression of cancer.

Chromatin
Adapted from Plass et al. Nat Rev 1
Genet, 2013. 14(11): p. 765-80