ROLE OF DNA METHYLATION IN CANCER DEVELOPMENT, PROGRESSION, AND THERAPEUTICS: A REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Epigenetic modifications play a fundamental role in the regulation of gene expression, with DNA methylation being one of the most critical mechanisms. Aberrant DNA methylation contributes to genomic instability and disrupts normal cellular processes, thereby promoting cancer development. Both hypermethylation and hypomethylation events are implicated in mutations affecting proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes (TSGs), leading to malignant transformation.

Objective: This study aims to highlight the role of DNA methylation as a key epigenetic mechanism in cancer initiation and progression, and to evaluate its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for early cancer detection and clinical decision-making.

Methods: A comprehensive analysis of recent scientific literature was conducted to examine the mechanisms of DNA methylation, including the roles of DNA methyltransferases in regulating gene expression, cell cycle control, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and genomic stability. Emphasis was placed on studies investigating methylation patterns in proto-oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and their detectability in various body fluids.

Results: Recent studies demonstrate that cancer-specific DNA methylation signatures can be detected in body can be replaced by Emerging evidence indicates that tumor-specific methylation patterns can be detected in circulating DNA from body fluids, offering potential for non-invasive early cancer detection and prognostication.

Conclusion: DNA methylation represents a promising epigenetic biomarker for cancer screening, early diagnosis, and prognosis. Advances in DNA methylation profiling technologies hold great potential for identifying carcinomas at deep genetic and epigenetic levels. Furthermore, epigenetic biomarkers may play an essential role in guiding therapeutic strategies, supporting personalized medicine, and improving clinical outcomes in cancer management.