Epigenetics of : The Dual Roles in Human Cancers.

Secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) is a gene that belongs to the secreted glycoprotein SFRP family. has been classified as a tumor suppressor gene due to the loss of expression in various human cancers, which is mainly attributed by epigenetic inactivation via DNA methylation or transcriptional silencing by microRNAs. Epigenetic silencing of may cause dysregulation of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, which lead to cancer cells formation, disease progression, poor prognosis, and treatment resistance. Hence, restoration of expression via demethylating drugs or over-expression experiments opens the possibility for new cancer therapy approach. While the role of as a tumor suppressor gene is well-established, some studies also reported the possible oncogenic properties of in cancers. In this review, we discussed in great detail the dual roles of in cancers-as tumor suppressor and tumor promoter. The epigenetic regulation of expression will also be underscored with additional emphasis on the potentials of in modulating responses toward chemotherapeutic and epigenetic-modifying drugs, which may encourage the development of novel drugs for cancer treatment. We also present findings from clinical trials and patents involving to illustrate its clinical utility, extensiveness of each research area, and progression toward commercialization. Lastly, this review provides directions for future research to advance as a promising cancer biomarker.