Final answer:
DNA Methyltransferase (DNMT) adds methyl groups to DNA, leading to gene silencing. Inhibitors like 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine decrease DNA methylation, which can disrupt cancer cell growth. Understanding gene expression in cancer cells can inform treatment strategies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The function of DNA Methyltransferase (DNMT) is to add methyl groups to DNA, specifically to the cytosine bases, leading to gene silencing. An analog that inhibits this enzyme is 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (Decitabine).
Drugs that inhibit DNMT can decrease DNA methylation, which typically suppresses transcription. By reducing methylation, these drugs can activate certain genes that may suppress tumor growth or trigger tumor cell death. Preventing the removal of acetyl groups from histone proteins also keeps transcription active. Both of these drug actions can disrupt abnormal cell growth and potentially lead to the elimination of cancer cells. Understanding the gene expression pattern in a cancer cell can provide insights into the specific form of cancer, guiding targeted treatment strategies.
Mercaptopurine is another example of a drug that affects DNA and RNA by being incorporated into nucleic acids, disrupting proper protein synthesis and hindering DNA replication, which is vital for cancer cell proliferation.