The Triple-Code Model for Pancreatic Cancer: Cross Talk Among Genetics, Epigenetics, and Nuclear Structure

Surg Clin North Am. 2015 Oct;95(5):935-52. doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2015.05.011. Epub 2015 Jul 23.

Abstract

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is painful, generally incurable, and frequently lethal. The current progression model indicates that this cancer evolves by mutations and deletions in key oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. This article describes an updated, more comprehensive model that includes concepts from the fields of epigenetics and nuclear architecture. Widespread use of next-generation sequencing for identifying genetic and epigenetic changes genome-wide will help identify and validate more and better markers for this disease. Epigenetic alterations are amenable to pharmacologic manipulations, thus this new integrated paradigm will contribute to advance this field from a mechanistic and translational point of view.

Keywords: Epigenetics; Pancreatic adenocarcinoma; Triple-code hypothesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / genetics*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Humans
  • Models, Genetic*
  • Mutation
  • Nucleosomes*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / genetics*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Nucleosomes