Question

In cancer cells, alteration to epigenetic modifications turns off genes that are normally expressed. Hypothetically, how could you reverse this process to turn these genes back on?

a) Use a drug that inhibits the activity of DNA methyltransferases.
b) Use a drug that inhibits the activity of histone deacetylases.
c) Use a drug that inhibits the activity of histone methyltransferases.
d) Use a drug that inhibits the activity of histone acetyltransferases.

Answer 1

To reverse epigenetic gene silencing in cancer cells, drug strategies include inhibiting DNA methyltransferases to prevent methylation, or blocking histone deacetylases to maintain acetylation. These drugs aim to reactivate silenced genes, potentially restoring normal cell growth regulation and aiding in tumor cell destruction.

Step-by-step explanation:

Reversing Epigenetic Gene Silencing in Cancer Cells

In cancer cells, genes that are normally expressed can be turned off through epigenetic modifications. These modifications often involve the methylation of DNA in the promoter regions and deacetylation of histones. To reverse this process and potentially turn these genes back on, one could hypothetically:

• Use a drug that inhibits the activity of DNA methyltransferases, which would prevent the addition of methyl groups to DNA, a mark associated with gene silencing.
• Use a drug that inhibits the activity of histone deacetylases (HDACs), which would prevent the removal of acetyl groups from histones, leading to a more accessible chromatin structure and potential gene activation.

These strategies could help to re-establish normal growth patterns by reactivating tumor suppressor genes and other regulatory genes involved in cell cycle control and apoptosis, thereby contributing to the destruction of tumor cells.