Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and Chromatin (DNA)

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and chromatin constitute the primary genetic blueprint and its structural packaging within the nucleus of tumor cells (NIH, 2023). DNA serves as the template for replication and transcription, processes that are frequently accelerated in cancer to support rapid cell proliferation (Nature Reviews Cancer, 2021). Chromatin, the complex of DNA and histone proteins, regulates access to the genetic code through structural remodeling and epigenetic modifications (UniProt, 2024). Many classical anti-cancer therapies target DNA directly by forming covalent cross-links, such as alkylating agents like cisplatin, or by intercalating between base pairs, like doxorubicin, to induce double-strand breaks and trigger apoptosis (PubChem, 2024). While these interventions are cornerstone treatments for various malignancies, their lack of inherent selectivity for tumor versus normal proliferating cells often results in significant systemic toxicities, including myelosuppression and organ damage (StatPearls, 2023).

Other names

Genomic DNANuclear DNAChromatin complexTumor DNANucleosome

Drugs targeting DNA and chromatin typically act through DNA alkylation, intercalation between base pairs, or the inhibition of enzymes involved in DNA metabolism (e.g., topoisomerases, polymerases), leading to DNA strand breaks, cross-linking, and the induction of apoptosis (NIH, 2023; PubChem, 2024).