Epigenetics is the study of how the genome switches itself on and off at certain locations on the genome and at certain times. Specifically, the process of DNA methylation cause DNA methylation marks to act as the switch that turns certain genes on and off at certain times. When DNA methylation malfunctions or operates abnormally, cancer is known to be the result.
In Queen Mary University of London, it was found by Dr. Muy Teck-Teh that there were four genes in cancers in the head and neck region that were effected by ineffective DNA methylation by either over or under expression. The scientists explain the correlation between the expression of these certain genes and the DNA methylation marks to be inversely related. Furthermore, the researchers in this study were able to consider these four genes epigenetically altered.
These DNA methylation markers can potentially serve as indicators that allude to the fact that cancer might be predisposed in a certain area of the body. The researchers have not yet gotten to the point where this method can be used clinically, however they are in the process of making that happen. Their hopes for the future is that instead of having to inject or reach into the body to retrieve a specimen to study and diagnose, a simple swab of saliva or collection of cheek cells could be used instead. These samples are not difficult or taxing to retrieve and would hopefully be able to be screened for cancer by looking for these DNA methylation or epigenetic marks. By taking saliva or cheek cell samples, the process of diagnosing and catching cancer sooner would be possible.
I find that this is a really important discovery because even though they are only studying the epigenetics of the head and neck, this might be a gateway into studying the epigenetics of the entire body. The DNA methylation errors could potentially be causing other cancers in other locations of the body as well. If this is the case, by studying the epigenetic markers and easier ways to retrieve specimens that can be studied, maybe cancer one day could be caught in everyone before it gets dangerous. And hopefully less people would pass from the deadly, yet entirely prevalent disease. I thought this was incredible because this is a very new technique that has great potential to make extraordinary breakthroughs in cancer research.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/releases/2013/10/131001091503.htm
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/epigenetics/
This is a really interesting way to study head and neck cancers. The fact that this could someday be used clinically just by taking a saliva swab, instead of surgery to study the area affected can be a huge positive jump in science and health of humans. This is way cheaper, and just as effective. Hopefully once it is mastered, it can be used to study other parts of the body as well which can aid in faster tests results for humans that suffer from such problems.
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