Hypermethylation of Apoptotic Genes in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) presents a substantial worldwide health challenge due to its aggressive behavior and resistance to standard treatments, resulting in high mortality rates. Epigenetic changes, notably DNA hypermethylation, are pivotal in OSCC development as they silence tumor-suppressor genes and drive tumor growth. This review highlights the hypermethylation status of apoptotic genes in the promoter region of CpG island which results in the formation of OSCC. This article utilizes different scientific databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, NCBI, etc. to understand the interplay between external factors and epigenetic modifications which provides valuable insights for preventive strategies and personalized approaches to OSCC.  The review discusses the epidemiology and causes of OSCC, emphasizing its resistance to therapy and poor prognosis. It also assesses current treatment strategies targeting DNA hypermethylation, such as inhibitors of demethylation and histone deacetylase, for their potential to improve patient outcomes. Future research directions center on investigating combination therapies targeting various epigenetic regulators and creating non-invasive methods for early cancer detection and prognosis evaluation. Overall, this review underscores the significance of DNA hypermethylation in OSCC progression and highlights the therapeutic promise of addressing epigenetic changes, especially those affecting apoptotic genes, to enhance patient survival.