Stressing the (Epi)Genome: Dealing with Reactive Oxygen Species in Cancer

Growing evidence indicates cross-talk between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and several key epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNAs in normal physiology and human pathologies including cancer. This review focuses on how ROS-induced oxidative stress, metabolic intermediates, and epigenetic processes influence each other in various cancers. Recent Advances: ROS alter chromatin structure and metabolism that impact the epigenetic landscape in cancer cells. Several site-specific DNA methylation changes have been identified in different cancers and are discussed in the review. We also discuss the interplay of epigenetic enzymes and miRNAs in influencing malignant transformation in an ROS-dependent manner. Loss of ROS-mediated signaling mostly by epigenetic regulation may promote tumorigenesis. In contrast, augmented oxidative stress because of high ROS levels may precipitate epigenetic alterations to effect various phases of carcinogenesis. We address both aspects in the review. Several drugs targeting ROS are under various stages of clinical development. Recent analysis of human cancers has revealed pervasive deregulation of the epigenetic machinery. Thus, a better understanding of the cross-talk between ROS and epigenetic alterations in cancer could lead to the identification of new drug targets and more effective treatment modalities.