TET enzymes: Involvement in cancer development and therapeutical perspectives

The TET family of enzymes is essential for the dynamic regulation of DNA methylation and the epigenetic landscape of human genomes. Their ability to oxidize 5-methylcytosine (5mC) into various hydroxymethylated derivatives facilitates active DNA demethylation and serves as a critical regulatory mechanism in normal cellular processes. Dysregulation of TET proteins has been implicated in multiple types of cancer, highlighting their significance in tumorigenesis and their potential for therapeutic targeting. The functionality of TET proteins continues to be widely studied across various tissues and contexts. Their role as novel drug targets in cancer therapy is attracting increasing attention. Understanding how TET enzymes contribute to epigenetic alterations could provide new insights into cancer prevention and treatment, potentially extending the window of effective therapeutic intervention. This review aims to explore the diverse roles and regulatory mechanisms of TET proteins, examine how their dysregulation promotes cancer progression, and underscore the potential of TET enzymes as druggable targets for anticancer therapy.