Zinc as a plausible epigenetic modulator of glioblastoma multiforme

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor (WHO grade 4 astrocytoma) with unknown causes and is associated with a reduced life expectancy. The available treatment options namely radiotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy have failed to improve life expectancy. Out of the various therapeutic approaches, epigenetic therapy is one of the most studied. Epigenetic therapy is involved in the effective treatment of GBM by inhibiting DNA methyltransferase, histone deacetylation and non-coding RNA. It also promotes the expression of the tumor suppressor gene and is involved in the suppression of the oncogene. Various targets are being studied to implement proper epigenetic regulation to control GBM effectively. Zinc is one of the micronutrients which is considered to maintain epigenetic regulation by promoting the proper DNA folding, protecting genetic material from the oxidative damage and controlling the enzyme activation involved in the epigenetic regulation. Here, we are discussing the importance of zinc in regulating the epigenetic modifications and assessing its role in glioblastoma research. The discussion also highlights the importance of artificial intelligence using epigenetics for envisaging the glioma progression, diagnosis and its management.