The epigenetic regulation of ribosomal DNA and tumorigenesis

Recent research in epigenetics suggests that defects in epigenetic regulation of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) transcription may contribute to tumorigenesis. ATRX/DAXX complex is involved in the establishment and maintenance of the silence of the rDNA gene through H3K9me3 modification at histone variant H3.3. The ATRX/DAXX-related genes are frequently mutated in some types of tumors, which may increase rDNA transcription and promote cancer development and progression. In this review, we focus on the mechanism that abnormal transcription of rDNA potentially influences tumorigenesis. We also summarize the epigenetic regulatory mechanism of rDNA transcription, which may provide new theoretical support for drug development based on rDNA transcriptional regulation.