Key Takeaways
- Epigenetics is the study of how external factors change the way genes are expressed — without altering the DNA sequence itself. These changes are driven by proteins called histones, which control whether specific genes are “switched on” or “switched off.”
- Researchers believe that asbestos fibers may act as an epigenetic threat — disrupting normal histone regulation and contributing to the chain of events that leads from asbestos exposure to mesothelioma onset.
- In mesothelioma tumor cells, epigenetic errors allow for aggressive, uncontrolled cell growth. These same errors may explain why chemotherapy fails in some patients — because the cancer cells don’t follow the normal cell cycle that chemotherapy is designed to interrupt.
- New clinical trials are exploring epigenetic modifications as a treatment strategy — using therapies that alter histone behavior to either make cancer cells more responsive to chemotherapy or directly slow tumor growth through changes in gene expression.
- Epigenetic markers are being studied as potential diagnostic tools that could work alongside blood tests, imaging, and histological assessments to detect mesothelioma earlier and more accurately. These are not yet available for widespread clinical use.
- Unlike genetic mutations, epigenetic changes are potentially reversible — which is what makes them such a promising target for future mesothelioma treatments.
What is Epigenetics?
“Epigenetics” is a term that refers to the edits of DNA expression due to environmental factors.
DNA is wound around proteins called histones–histones control how tightly the DNA is
bunched up. Because DNA needs to be copied for daughter cells, and the enzymes and proteins
that copy DNA need DNA to be relatively loose for the copying process, histones control
whether or not these proteins and enzymes have “access” to certain genes. For example, if the
body is stressed (and has high levels of circulating adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine), then
certain products or by-products of these hormones might bind to histones, either loosening or
tightening their hold on DNA strands. Certain genes might be expressed more, others might be
expressed less, and still others might not be expressed at all. Importantly, the actual sequence of
genes is unaffected; it’s just whether or not the genes are expressed. And, the effects of
epigenetics can be reversed or tweaked; histone position isn’t fixed, it’s affected by
external-to-the-body factors.
Epigenetics and Mesothelioma
Because the process of asbestos exposure to mesothelioma onset is one that has eluded scientists
and doctors, they are now turning to epigenetics for possible diagnostic and treatment options.
By recognizing asbestos as an epigenetic threat, it might lead to a.) more conclusive data about
how asbestos causes mesothelioma, and b.) how doctors can use epigenetic scores to diagnose
mesothelioma earlier.
Mesothelioma is associated with mutations in the genome (or entire genetic makeup) of pleural
cells. Because we’ve established that histones aid in the control of DNA expression, it’s fair to
assume that there are errors or mutations in the epigenetic regulation of DNA in these cells, too.
In the cells of mesothelioma tumors, epigenetic errors (which are the same errors that allow for
aggressive growth of these cells) can prevent the success of chemotherapy. Because
chemotherapy interrupts the normal cell cycle, and cells with epigenetic mutations don’t adhere
to normal cell cycle to begin with, it makes sense that chemotherapy doesn’t work in some
patients. New clinical trials using epigenetic modifications–because histones can be affected and
their effects reversed–might make chemotherapy more successful. In addition, these trials might
also be able to target histones and treat cancerous cells directly through differential gene
expression.
Diagnostics
In terms of diagnostics, there are a few epigenetic markers of mesothelioma. These can be used
in conjunction with blood tests, histological scores, and imaging techniques in order to more
quickly diagnose (and treat) mesothelioma. However, these diagnostic techniques are still
actively being studied and aren’t yet available for widespread use.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, please call
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is epigenetics?
Epigenetics refers to changes in how genes are expressed — turned on or off — without changing the actual DNA sequence. These changes are controlled by proteins called histones, which determine how tightly DNA is wound. When external factors (like stress hormones, toxins, or environmental exposures) affect histones, they can loosen or tighten their hold on specific sections of DNA, causing certain genes to be expressed more, less, or not at all. Critically, epigenetic changes are reversible — unlike permanent genetic mutations.
How does asbestos affect epigenetics?
While the exact mechanism is still being studied, researchers believe that asbestos fibers may disrupt normal epigenetic regulation in the cells lining the lungs and other organs. Asbestos is increasingly being recognized as an epigenetic threat — meaning it may alter histone behavior in ways that cause genes to be expressed abnormally, contributing to the development of mesothelioma. Understanding this process could help explain the long, poorly understood chain of events between asbestos exposure and cancer onset decades later.
Why doesn’t chemotherapy work for all mesothelioma patients?
Chemotherapy works by interrupting the normal cell division cycle — targeting rapidly dividing cells to stop tumor growth. However, mesothelioma tumor cells often have epigenetic mutations that cause them to bypass the normal cell cycle entirely. Because these cells aren’t following the standard division process, chemotherapy drugs designed to disrupt that process may not be effective against them. This is why researchers are exploring epigenetic therapies that could “reset” the cancer cells’ behavior, making them responsive to chemotherapy again.
How could epigenetic treatments help mesothelioma patients?
Because epigenetic changes are potentially reversible, researchers are exploring two main treatment strategies:
- Making cancer cells responsive to chemotherapy — by altering histone behavior to restore normal cell cycle function in tumor cells, which would allow chemotherapy to work as intended
- Directly targeting tumor growth — by modifying gene expression to slow or stop the aggressive cell division that drives mesothelioma
These approaches are particularly promising for chemotherapy-resistant cases where traditional treatment has failed. Clinical trials are currently underway, though these therapies are not yet widely available.
Can epigenetics help diagnose mesothelioma earlier?
Potentially, yes. Researchers have identified several epigenetic markers — measurable changes in gene expression patterns — that are associated with mesothelioma. These markers could eventually be used alongside existing diagnostic tools like blood tests, CT scans, and tissue biopsies to detect mesothelioma earlier and more accurately. However, these epigenetic diagnostic techniques are still actively being studied and are not yet available for routine clinical use.
What is the difference between genetic and epigenetic changes?
The key difference is permanence:
- Genetic changes (mutations) alter the actual DNA sequence itself — they are permanent and passed to daughter cells when the cell divides
- Epigenetic changes alter how genes are expressed without changing the underlying DNA sequence — they are driven by external factors, can change over time, and are potentially reversible
This reversibility is what makes epigenetics such a promising area for mesothelioma treatment research. If the epigenetic errors driving tumor growth can be corrected, it may be possible to slow or stop the cancer — or make it responsive to treatments that weren’t working before.
What should I do if I’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, understanding your full range of treatment options — including emerging approaches like epigenetic therapies and clinical trials — is an important step. Call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation and to request our Pennsylvania Mesothelioma Information Guide.
