Final answer:
The level of methylation per cell would be 1/8th after three generations of cells treated with a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor. Epigenetic drugs that decrease DNA methylation and histone deacetylation can reactivate tumor suppressor genes, affecting gene expression to help kill cancer cells. Understanding gene expression patterns in cancer cells can inform about cancer-specific characteristics and appropriate therapies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the study of epigenetic drugs and their potential use in cancer therapy. When tissue culture cells are treated with a drug that inhibits DNA methyltransferase, we would expect to see a reduction in DNA methylation levels. Assuming that methylation levels halve with each cell generation (since the maintenance of methylation patterns requires the activity of DNA methyltransferases), by three generations, the level of methylation per cell would be 1/8th of the original level (1/
= 1/8).
Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation play significant roles in gene regulation and can contribute to the silencing of tumor suppressor genes in cancer cells. The development of drugs that decrease DNA methylation and prevent the removal of acetyl groups from histone proteins, could lead to reactivation of these suppressed genes, thereby affecting gene expression patterns that are vital for cancer cell survival, ultimately aiding in the destruction of tumor cells.
Understanding the gene expression patterns in cancer cells is crucial because it provides insights into the specific forms of cancer, allowing for targeted therapies that address the unique characteristics and vulnerabilities of each type of cancer. The gene expression profile of a cancer cell can inform about the subtype of cancer, the aggressiveness of the disease, and potential therapeutic strategies.