The Impact of Epigenetics on Leukemia and Current Target Therapy.

Abstract

Epigenetics is the study of how gene expression is regulated by factors other than the DNA sequence itself. Unlike genetic changes, epigenetic changes are reversible and do not change the DNA sequence but change how the body reads the sequence if more methylation is involved. Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer that affects the production and maturation of white blood cells caused by genetic mutations, chromosomal abnormalities, and epigenetic changes that disrupt the normal regulation of haematopoiesis. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs are the main epigenetic mechanism that influences the development and function of different cell types, as well as their response to environmental stimuli. These mechanisms affect the way leukaemic cells communicate with the surrounding components of the tumour, and the immune microenvironment, and play key roles in leukaemia progression. It is becoming more and more obvious that abnormal post-translational modifications, in addition to genetic mutations, have resulted in DNA changes, linked to leukaemogenesis. This review aims to evaluate the epigenetic mechanism and targeted therapy using organic food elements such as Curcumin (Turmeric), Genistein (Soybean), Tea Polyphenols (Green Tea), Resveratrol (Grapes), and Sulforaphane (Cruciferous Vegetables) to obliterate leukaemia.