Common features of chromatin in aging and cancer: cause or coincidence?

Trends Cell Biol. 2014 Nov;24(11):686-94. doi: 10.1016/j.tcb.2014.07.001. Epub 2014 Aug 4.

Abstract

Age is a major risk factor for cancer. Alterations in DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin structure, and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms are prominent hallmarks of both the aging process and cancer. Intriguingly--or possibly coincidentally--several chromatin features are common between aging and cancer. Here we ask whether, and if so how, aging-associated chromatin modifications contribute to tumor susceptibility and tumorigenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging*
  • Animals
  • Chromatin / genetics*
  • DNA Methylation*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / genetics*

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Histones
  • RNA, Long Noncoding