Agnieszka Zaczek, Aleksandra Rodacka
Natural compounds, including alkaloids, terpenes, and polyphenols, are increasingly recognized for their potential to modulate epigenetic mechanisms and influence cellular function, particularly in cancer. Studies have shown that diverse phytochemicals impact epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA expression. Epigenetics is critical in cancer and can dysregulate crucial cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. In cancer, aberrant epigenetic patterns can silence tumor suppressor genes and activate oncogenes, contributing to uncontrolled cell growth and metastasis. Understanding the precise mechanisms by which these natural compounds interact with the epigenetic machinery holds significant promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies for cancer and other diseases. Future research, including basic studies and well-designed clinical trials, will be crucial in validating these findings and developing effective clinical applications of natural compounds.