Role of epigenetic modifications in pathogenesis of leukemia

Abstract

Relations between genetic alterations and different types of leukemia lead to understanding that leukemogenesis is a mainly genetic-based phenomenon. However recently role of factors of epigenetic nature is highlighted in research on oncogenic transformation. Epigenetic regulation is defined as heritable patterns that are not related to DNA sequence. There are three major forms of epigenetic regulation: DNA methylation, histone modifications – methylation and acetylation – and regulation through small non-coding RNAs. Epigenetic regulation is important in development of different types of leukemia. Changes in DNA methylation patterns as well as in histone methylation and acetylation were detected in samples from patients with leukemia. In addition different profiles of miRNA, one subtype of noncoding RNAs, were associated with this disease. What is more, alteration in activity of enzymes involved in regulation of DNA and histone modification can also be detected in leukemic cells. Current knowledge of epigenetic regulation allows for better diagnostic of leukemia and better understanding of mechanism involved in its therapy. It also allowed for development of new forms of therapies targeted specifically on mechanisms involved in epigenetic regulation.