Epigenetics and Human DiseasesConference

Future Perspective

Various studies and clinical trials have examined epigenetic therapies which shown the potential to decrease the burden of diseases in which abnormal epigenetic mechanisms play a critical role. Numerous therapeutic agents that can modulate epigenetic mechanisms in various disease conditions are under consideration for clinical use. Additional studies of the therapeutic approach to epigenetic therapy are required, as the procedure is not selective for target cells and activating gene expression in normal cells may make them cancerous. Further insight into the molecular mechanisms governing these epigenetic modulators will facilitate the design of more specific and effective drugs. The development of more specific HDAC inhibitors has shown great promise. Increasing target specificity will also significantly affect the development of more effective treatment options. The approval of two epigenetic drugs (Vidaza and romidepsin, HDAC inhibitors) by the US Food and Drug Administration has supported their use in disease treatment. Additionally, epigenetic profiling of patients may have predictive or prognostic value for epigenetic therapy. Thus, epigenetic biomarkers can be used to complement current strategies for diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of drug responses and assist with therapeutic decision-making

• Azacitidine
• HDAC inhibitors
• Romidespin
• Vidaza