| Popis: |
Epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and RNA-associated silencing extensively contribute to the occurrence of widespread human diseases and subsequent lethality. In human cancers, abnormal epigenetic mechanisms are reported, which play critical roles in their progression. Ionizing radiation is also a potent epigenotoxic stressor and is capable of causing cellular damage, organ dysfunction, and death. Understanding the epigenetic mechanisms has wider implications to elucidate the early and delayed tissue responses under disease conditions as well as to ionizing radiation. In this chapter, we discuss the common epigenetic mechanisms in normal cells and how their dysregulations contribute to cancer development and tissue sensitivity to ionizing radiation. Here, we primarily focus on the Gastrointestinal (GI) system, highlighting epigenetics and metabolic alterations in this system. We also discuss the role of stem cells in contributing to the changes in the GI epithelium, and current strategies used in therapy to counter epigenetic mechanisms in GI cancer and other inflammatory conditions. |
