The role of epigenetics in the biology of multiple myeloma

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Several recent studies have highlighted the biological complexity of multiple myeloma (MM) that arises as a result of several disrupted cancer pathways. Apart from the central role of genetic abnormalities, epigenetic aberrations have also been shown to be important players in the development of MM, and a lot of research during the past decades has focused on the ways DNA methylation, histone modifications and noncoding RNAs contribute to the pathobiology of MM. This has led to, apart from better understanding of the disease biology, the development of epigenetic drugs, such as histone deacetylase inhibitors that are already used in clinical trials in MM with promising results. This review will present the role of epigenetic abnormalities in MM and how these can affect specific pathways, and focus on the potential of novel 'epidrugs' as future treatment modalities for MM.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere207
JournalBlood Cancer Journal
Volume4
Issue number5
Pages (from-to)1-10
Number of pages10
ISSN2044-5385
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

    Research areas

  • Animals, DNA Methylation, Epigenesis, Genetic, Epigenomics, Humans, Multiple Myeloma

ID: 138425148