DNMT1 as a therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer: mechanisms and clinical implications

ConclusionsHerein, the expression profiles, oncogenic roles, regulators and inhibitors of DNMT1 in PDACs are presented and discussed. DNMT1 is overexpressed in PDAC cases compared with non-cancerous pancreatic ducts, and its expression gradually increases from pre-neoplastic lesions to PDACs. DNMT1 plays oncogenic roles in suppressing PDAC cell differentiation and in promoting their proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as in induction of the self-renewal capacity of PDAC cancer stem cells. These effects are achieved via promoter hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes, including cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (e.g.,p14,p15,p16,p21 andp27), suppressors of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (e.g., E-cadherin) and tumor suppressor miRNAs (e.g.,miR-148a,miR-152 andmiR-17-92 cluster). Pre-clinical investigations have shown the potency of novel non-nucleoside DNMT1 inhibitors against PDAC cells. Finally, phase I/II clinical trials of DNMT1 inhibitors (azacitidine, decitabine and guadecitabine) in PDAC patients are currently underway, where these inhibitors have the potential to sensitize PDACs to chemotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade therapy.
Source: Cellular Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research