A Comparative Analysis of Genetic and Epigenetic Events of Breast and Ovarian Cancer Related to Tumorigenesis

Abstract

Breast cancer persists as the most common cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Ovarian cancer is also a significant source of morbidity and mortality, as the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women. This reflects the continued need for further understanding and innovation in cancer treatment. Though breast and ovarian cancer usually present as distinct clinical entities, the recent explosion of large-scale -omics research has uncovered many overlaps, particularly with respect to genetic and epigenetic alterations. We compared genetic, microenvironmental, stromal, and epigenetic changes common between breast and ovarian cancer cells, as well as the clinical relevance of these changes. Some of the most striking commonalities include genetic alterations of BRCA1 and 2, TP53, RB1, NF1, FAT3, MYC, PTEN, and PIK3CA; down regulation of miRNAs 9, 100, 125a, 125b, and 214; and epigenetic alterations such as H3K27me3, H3K9me2, H3K9me3, H4K20me3, and H3K4me. These parallels suggest shared features of pathogenesis. Furthermore, preliminary evidence suggests a shared epigenetic mechanism of oncogenesis. These similarities, warrant further investigation in order to ultimately inform development of more effective chemotherapeutics, as well as strategies to circumvent drug resistance.

The Effects of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor and Calpain Inhibitor Combination Therapies on Ovarian Cancer Cells

“…Shared genetic markers seen in cancers, such as breast cancer (BRCA)1 and 2, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)2 and aplysia Ras homology member 1 (ARHI) in breast cancers, are also involved in ovarian cancers. Additionally, miRNA regulation and epigenetic gene silencing are altered in ovarian cancer in ways similar to those observed in breast cancers (4). All together, these lines of evidence indicate a similar origin of both types cancers.…”

In search of the altering salivary proteome in metastatic breast and ovarian cancers

“…5 In India, the peak age (age 45-50 years) of onset of breast and ovarian cancers occurs 10 years earlier, compared to those reported in developed countries. 5 In India, the peak age (age 45-50 years) of onset of breast and ovarian cancers occurs 10 years earlier, compared to those reported in developed countries.…”

“…gynecological disease with its incidence steadily rising due to lack of awareness, proper screening protocols, and late detection. 5 In India, the peak age (age 45-50 years) of onset of breast and ovarian cancers occurs 10 years earlier, compared to those reported in developed countries. 6 Cancer metastasis to distant organs and their late-stage detection are the major cause of mortality in females with breast and ovarian cancers.…”

Glycosylation and metastases

“…Glycans as diverse and abundant products of glycosylation are fundamental components of all cells, which are highly regulated especially in immune cells. Changes in glycosylation of cell surface molecules are implicated in the tumor pathogenesis .…”

“… used this approach, and by studying the serum glycome and tumor transcriptome (mRNA and miRNA), they could demonstrate that the presence of circulating tumor cells is associated with certain glycome structures. Recent reviews present this approach, and its possible use for the optimization of different cancer therapies is widely discussed .…”