Epigenetic gene silencing in cancer – a mechanism for early oncogenic pathway addiction?

@article{Baylin2006EpigeneticGS,
  title={Epigenetic gene silencing in cancer – a mechanism for early oncogenic pathway addiction?},
  author={Stephen B. Baylin and Joyce Ellen Ohm},
  journal={Nature Reviews Cancer},
  year={2006},
  volume={6},
  pages={107-116}
}
Chromatin alterations have been associated with all stages of tumour formation and progression. The best characterized are epigenetically mediated transcriptional-silencing events that are associated with increases in DNA methylation — particularly at promoter regions of genes that regulate important cell functions. Recent evidence indicates that epigenetic changes might 'addict' cancer cells to altered signal-transduction pathways during the early stages of tumour development. Dependence on… 
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