THE DNA METHYLATION MACHINERY AS A TARGET FOR ANTICANCER THERAPY

DNA methylation is now recognized as an important mechanism regulating different functions of the genome; gene expression, replication, and cancer, Different factors control the formation and maintenance of DNA methylation patterns. The level of activity of DNA methyltransferase (MeTase) is one factor. Recent data suggest that some oncogenic pathwa ys can induce DNA MeTase expression, that DNA MeTase activity is eleva ted in cancer, and that inhibition of DNA MeTase can reverse the trans formed state. What are the pharmacological consequences of our current understanding of DNA methylation patterns formation! This review will discuss the possibility that DNA MeTase inhibitors can serve as impor tant pharmacological and therapeutic tools in cancer and other genetic diseases.