Epigenetic alterations in canine mammary cancer

Abstract

In dogs, mammary cancer is the most common tumor type, especially in unspayed females. As in humans, this type of cancer has spontaneous development and is influenced by several risk factors, such as age and hormonal exposure in addition to genetic and epigenetic factors. Epigenetic mechanisms are responsible for gene expression modulation without alterations in the DNA sequence and include but are not limited to DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs. Epigenetic patterns are known to influence a variety of biological mechanisms, such as cellular differentiation and development, and dysregulations of those patterns may result in several diseases, such as cancer. In this respect, this review summarizes the main findings concerning epigenetic alterations in canine mammary cancer, their relationship with the carcinogenic process, and their use as diagnostic and prognostic markers.

WSAVA guidelines for the control of reproduction in dogs and cats

“…Age is one of the most relevant factors as the incidence of mam- (Donnay et al, 1994;Egenvall et al, 2005;Richards et al, 2001;Salas et al, 2015;Taylor et al, 1976;Varney et al, 2023;Zatloukal et al, 2005). Furthermore, breed (springer spaniel, cocker spaniel, boxer, poodle, dachshund; large breeds >small breeds), obesity at 1 year of age, hormone treatment and repeated pseudopregnancies (Dobson, 2013;Donnay et al, 1994;Egenvall et al, 2005;Gupta, 2012;Jitpean et al, 2012;Oliveira et al, 2022;Pastor et al, 2018;Pérez Alenza et al, 1998;Sonnenschein et al, 1991;Varney et al, 2023) and even alterations in gene expression by epigenetic mechanisms are reported predisposing factors (Borges, 2022). Intact female dogs were reported to have a threefold to fourfold or higher increased risk to develop a mammary tumour and more frequently have multiple tumours in comparison to gonadectomised dogs, whereas gonadectomy decreased the odds of developing mammary tumour as well as mortality rate due to mammary tumour about threefold (Beaudu-Lange et al, 2021;Gedon et al 2021b;Grüntzig et al, 2016;Misdorp, 1988;Priester, 1979;Schneider et al, 1969;Taylor et al, 1976;Varney et al, 2023).…”

A New Benzo[6,7]oxepino[3,2-b] Pyridine Derivative Induces Apoptosis in Canine Mammary Cancer Cell Lines

“…There are multiple risk factors for the development of these cancers, such as hormonal exposure, age, genetics, and nutritional factors [4]. Furthermore, the development and progression of these cancers are linked to several crucial genes that govern processes such as cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as apoptosis [5]. In CMC, changes in the expression levels of numerous genes, including TP53, BAX, BCL-2, SNAIL, SLUG, TWIST, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and EGFR, have been reported [6][7][8].…”