DNA demethylases: a new epigenetic frontier in drug discovery

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2011

Authors

Carey, N (Author) Other; Marques, CJ (Author) FMUP; Reik, W (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Drug Discovery Today

Vol. 16

Pages: 683-690

ISSN: 1359-6446

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 31 Citations

Scopus - 33 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-005-6Z9

DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2011.05.004

Abstract (EN): DNA methylation is one of the most extensively studied, and one of the most stable, of all epigenetic modifications. Two drugs that target DNA methyltransferase enzymes are licensed for clinical use in oncology but relatively little attention has focused on the enzymatic pathways by which DNA methylation can be reversed. Recent breakthroughs have identified at least two classes of enzymes that can achieve functional reversal. This review discusses the significance of DNA demethylation in a range of human diseases, the candidate proteins that mediate the demethylation and the opportunities and challenges in targeting these candidates to develop new therapeutics.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8