Epigenetic Regulation in Adult Stem Cells and Cancers

The review from January 1, 2013, by Tarayrah and Chen examines the significance of epigenetic regulation in adult stem cells and its implications for cancer, particularly focusing on cancer stem cells (CSCs). It explains that adult stem cells are crucial for tissue homeostasis through their self-renewal and differentiation capabilities, which are governed by epigenetic mechanisms like chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation, and histone modifications. Misregulation of these processes can lead to cancer, with CSCs having distinct epigenetic profiles that contribute to tumor growth. The review discusses the roles of various "epigenetic writers," "erasers," and "readers" in maintaining stem cell identity and activity across different stem cell lineages, including germline, intestinal, and hair follicle stem cells. It also highlights the dual role of TET genes in cancer, the commonality of DNA methylation at tumor suppressor gene promoters, and the involvement of Polycomb group proteins in cancer progression. The authors conclude that a deeper understanding of epigenetic regulation is essential for insights into tumorigenesis and the development of new cancer treatments, while also acknowledging the need for more research to fully understand the coordination of these mechanisms and the relationship between CSCs and normal stem cells.