Cancer Stem Cell & Oncology Research

Epigenetic Regulation in Cancer Stem Cells

Epigenetic regulation plays a central biological role in maintaining cancer stem cell identity without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms include DNA methylation, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling, all of which influence gene expression patterns. In cancer stem cells, epigenetic plasticity allows rapid adaptation to environmental changes and cellular stress. Genes associated with stemness are often epigenetically activated, while differentiation related genes are suppressed. This reversible regulation enables cancer stem cells to transition between stem like and non stem states. Aberrant epigenetic landscapes contribute to cellular instability and promote malignant behavior. Unlike genetic mutations, epigenetic changes are dynamic and responsive to external signals, making them powerful drivers of tumor evolution. These biological processes also influence lineage commitment, cellular memory, and long term survival. Studying epigenetic regulation in cancer stem cells enhances understanding of how cellular identity is maintained and altered during cancer progression.