scholarly journals Pathogen-Induced Epigenetic Modifications in Cancers: Implications for Prevention, Detection and Treatment of Cancers in Africa

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (23) ◽  
pp. 6051
Author(s):  
Alexandra Lindsey Djomkam Zune ◽  
Charles Ochieng’ Olwal ◽  
Kesego Tapela ◽  
Oloche Owoicho ◽  
Nora Nghochuzie Nganyewo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Tumor Formation ◽  
Cancer Development ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Cancer Epigenetics ◽  
Public Health Burden ◽  
Cancer Management ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Epigenetic Patterns

Cancer is a major public health burden worldwide. Tumor formation is caused by multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Many reports have demonstrated a positive correlation between the burden of infectious pathogens and the occurrence of cancers. However, the mechanistic link between pathogens and cancer development remains largely unclear and is subject to active investigations. Apart from somatic mutations that have been widely linked with various cancers, an appreciable body of knowledge points to alterations of host epigenetic patterns as key triggers for cancer development. Several studies have associated various infectious pathogens with epigenetic modifications. It is therefore plausible to assume that pathogens induce carcinogenesis via alteration of normal host epigenetic patterns. Thus, Africa with its disproportionate burden of infectious pathogens is threatened by a dramatic increase in pathogen-mediated cancers. To curb the potential upsurge of such cancers, a better understanding of the role of tropical pathogens in cancer epigenetics could substantially provide resources to improve cancer management among Africans. Therefore, this review discusses cancer epigenetic studies in Africa and the link between tropical pathogens and cancer burden. In addition, we discuss the potential mechanisms by which pathogens induce cancers and the opportunities and challenges of tropical pathogen-induced epigenetic changes for cancer prevention, detection and management.

scholarly journals m6A Modification: A Double-Edged Sword in Tumor Development

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Runnan Gao ◽  
Mujie Ye ◽  
Baihui Liu ◽  
Meng Wei ◽  
Duan Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Properties ◽  
Tumor Development ◽  
Tumor Formation ◽  
Cancer Development ◽  
Research Progress ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Rna Methylation ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Elevated Expression

Modification of m6A, as the most abundant mRNA modification, plays diverse roles in various biological processes in eukaryotes. Emerging evidence has revealed that m6A modification is closely associated with the activation and inhibition of tumor pathways, and it is significantly linked to the prognosis of cancer patients. Aberrant reduction or elevated expression of m6A regulators and of m6A itself have been identified in numerous tumors. In this review, we give a description of the dynamic properties of m6A modification regulators, such as methyltransferases, demethylases, and m6A binding proteins, and indicate the value of the balance between these proteins in regulating the expression of diverse genes and the underlying effects on cancer development. Furthermore, we summarize the “dual-edged weapon” role of RNA methylation in tumor progression and discuss that RNA methylation can not only result in tumorigenesis but also lead to suppression of tumor formation. In addition, we summarize the latest research progress on small-molecule targeting of m6A regulators to inhibit or activate m6A. These studies indicate that restoring the balance of m6A modification via targeting specific imbalanced regulators may be a novel anti-cancer strategy.

scholarly journals Epigenetic Regulation of the Human Papillomavirus Life Cycle

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Mac ◽  
Cary A. Moody
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Hpv Infection ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Human Papillomaviruses ◽  
Epigenetic Changes ◽  
Epigenetic Alterations ◽  
Malignant Phenotype ◽  
Public Health Burden ◽  
Damage Response

Persistent infection with certain types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs), termed high risk, presents a public health burden due to their association with multiple human cancers, including cervical cancer and an increasing number of head and neck cancers. Despite the development of prophylactic vaccines, the incidence of HPV-associated cancers remains high. In addition, no vaccine has yet been licensed for therapeutic use against pre-existing HPV infections and HPV-associated diseases. Although persistent HPV infection is the major risk factor for cancer development, additional genetic and epigenetic alterations are required for progression to the malignant phenotype. Unlike genetic mutations, the reversibility of epigenetic modifications makes epigenetic regulators ideal therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. This review article will highlight the recent advances in the understanding of epigenetic modifications associated with HPV infections, with a particular focus on the role of these epigenetic changes during different stages of the HPV life cycle that are closely associated with activation of DNA damage response pathways.

scholarly journals The dual role of filamin A in cancer: can't live with (too much of) it, can't live without it

2013 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. R341-R356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosalinda M Savoy ◽  
Paramita M Ghosh
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Formation ◽  
Dual Role ◽  
Cancer Development ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Filamin A ◽  
Invasion And Metastasis ◽  
Promoting Effect ◽  
Metastasis Development ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

Filamin A (FlnA) has been associated with actin as cytoskeleton regulator. Recently its role in the cell has come under scrutiny for FlnA's involvement in cancer development. FlnA was originally revealed as a cancer-promoting protein, involved in invasion and metastasis. However, recent studies have also found that under certain conditions, it prevented tumor formation or progression, confusing the precise function of FlnA in cancer development. Here, we try to decipher the role of FlnA in cancer and the implications for its dual role. We propose that differences in subcellular localization of FlnA dictate its role in cancer development. In the cytoplasm, FlnA functions in various growth signaling pathways, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, in addition to being involved in cell migration and adhesion pathways, such as R-Ras and integrin signaling. Involvement in these pathways and various others has shown a correlation between high cytoplasmic FlnA levels and invasive cancers. However, an active cleaved form of FlnA can localize to the nucleus rather than the cytoplasm and its interaction with transcription factors has been linked to a decrease in invasiveness of cancers. Therefore, overexpression of FlnA has a tumor-promoting effect, only when it is localized to the cytoplasm, whereas if FlnA undergoes proteolysis and the resulting C-terminal fragment localizes to the nucleus, it acts to suppress tumor growth and inhibit metastasis. Development of drugs to target FlnA and cause cleavage and subsequent localization to the nucleus could be a new and potent field of research in treating cancer.

scholarly journals Microbiome in GIT Cancers: New Frontiers in Personalized Medicine – A Review of Literature

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Maha Saad ◽  
Maha Saad ◽  
Mansour Mohamed Kabash ◽  
Aymn El Sayed Shafei ◽  
Rawan Ellackany ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Cancer Development ◽  
Molecular Pathways ◽  
Cancer Therapies ◽  
Pharmacological Effects ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Cancer Management ◽  
Personalized Cancer Therapy ◽  
Personalized Cancer

Every person has a characteristic “enterotype,” the gut components and the environment. Recently, a strong biological correlation has emerged among the microbiome of the gut, the immune system, cancer development and pharmacological effects of chemotherapy. In this review, we outline the role of gut microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancers pathogenesis and their implications for enhancing the efficacy of GIT cancer management in clinical practice. We also summarize the molecular pathways linking gut microbiota and GIT cancers and the effectiveness of manipulating microbiota in GIT cancer therapies such as personalized cancer therapy.

scholarly journals The Role of microRNA in Pancreatic Cancer

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1322
Author(s):  
Beata Smolarz ◽  
Adam Durczyński ◽  
Hanna Romanowicz ◽  
Piotr Hogendorf
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Ribonucleic Acid ◽  
Tumor Formation ◽  
Cancer Development ◽  
Oncological Therapy

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small ribonucleic acid molecules that play a key role in regulating gene expression. The increasing number of studies undertaken on the functioning of microRNAs in the tumor formation clearly indicates their important potential in oncological therapy. Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers. The expression of miRNAs released into the bloodstream appears to be a good indicator of progression and evaluation of the aggressiveness of pancreatic cancer, as indicated by studies. The work reviewed the latest literature on the importance of miRNAs for pancreatic cancer development.

scholarly journals The Role Of Nitric Oxide In Cancer Development & it`s Therapy

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-34
Author(s):  
Najlaa Qassim Muftin ◽  
Asma Jameil Al-Lamei ◽  
Suzanne Jubair ◽  
Abdalla Raied Jabber ◽  
Rasha Shakir Mahmood
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Reactive Nitrogen Species ◽  
Tumor Formation ◽  
Cancer Development ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Nitrogen Species ◽  
Signal Molecule ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Proliferation And Metastasis

The Nitric oxide is a free radical belongs to reactive nitrogen species, acts as a signal molecule in many physiological and pathological processes as well as plays a significant role in a variety of biological processes including its action as a regulator to programmed cell death (apoptosis). In addition to its role in tumor formation, proliferation, and metastasis, Nitric oxide has also been stated to have tumoricidal effects. Therefore this review deals with the effect of nitric oxide on different types of cancer and its use in cancer drugs

Knowledge creation in small building and construction firms

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Durst ◽  
Ingi Runar Edvardsson ◽  
Guido Bruns
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Knowledge Sources ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
External Knowledge ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Small Building

Studies on knowledge creation are limited in general, and there is a particular shortage of research on the topic in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Given the importance of SMEs for the economy and the vital role of knowledge creation in innovation, this situation is unsatisfactory. Accordingly, the purpose of our study is to increase our understanding of how SMEs create new knowledge. Data are obtained through semi-structured interviews with ten managing directors of German SMEs operating in the building and construction industry. The findings demonstrate the influence of external knowledge sources on knowledge creation activities. Even though the managing directors take advantage of different external knowledge sources, they seem to put an emphasis on informed knowledge sources. The study´s findings advance the limited body of knowledge regarding knowledge creation in SMEs.

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