Gene Silencing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Gene Silencing - Essay Example In this research, review of literature pertaining to gene silencing and development of cancer was conducted. The articles were retrieved from PUBMED using suitable terms. Qualitative analysis of the results proved that gene silencing plays a significant role on the development of various cancers. It can thus be concluded that gene silencing through alteration of certain components of tumor suppression genes is one of the means of development of cancers and further research in this aspect may provide information for early detection and novel management of cancers. The soaring rates of cancer has made experts extend their research to ascertain various changes in DNA of certain genes. This is with an intention to know the various mechanisms of evolution of each type of tumor. Understanding of the development of tumor helps in the radical detection of cancer. Recent reports have suggested the importance of both genetic and epigenetic events in the evolution of cancer1. Extensive research has led to the discovery of gene silencing and its role in cancer progression. Various screening methods for cancer with respect to genetic alterations, which are available as of now are not universal tumor markers and thus early detection becomes difficult2. Research has shown that certain alterations like hypermethylation of certain parts of the gene the gene promoters, cause silencing of tumor suppression and this mechanism can be used for universal screening . Currently, further research is in progress to use gene silencing as a molecular marker for early de tection of cancer. Gene silencing is one of the mechanisms of gene regulation during which the expression of gene is either interrupted or suppressed at transcriptional or translational levels. For the past 30 years, researchers have been working on manual methods of gene silencing as a mode of treatment for some diseases. Current research has identified the role of gene silencing in the development of certain