Two possible mechanisms by which epigenetic modification can lead to cancer.
(A) A previously unmethylated TS gene such as p53 becomes methylated. Transcription factor(s) (TF) can no longer bind the promoter region, the gene is not expressed, and damaged cells are allowed to proliferate and become cancerous. (B) A proto-oncogene is demethylated, allowing TFs to initiate transcription and express the protein product. As in (A), uncontrolled cell growth ensues and leads to cancer.
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How do complex adult-onset disorders take place? The methylation of DNA sequences is an important component of epigenetic control that can be inherited or occur over time.
