biostudies-literatureUnknown3(4)Zhang BJEpigenetic regulation refers to alterations to the chromatin template that collectively establish differential patterns of gene transcription. Post-translational modifications of the histones play a key role in epigenetic regulation of gene transcription. In this review, we provide an overview of recent studies on the role of histone modifications in carcinogenesis. Since tumour-selective ligands such as tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) are well-considered as promising anti-tumour therapies, we summarise strategies for improving TRAIL sensitivity by inhibiting aberrant histone modifications in cancers. In this perspective we also discuss new epigenetic drug targets for enhancing TRAIL-mediated apoptosis.Cancer drug resistance (Alhambra, Calif.)791-803https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC8992553biostudies-literatureImproving TRAIL-induced apoptosis in cancers by interfering with histone modifications.PMC8992553Quax WJZhang BJChen DDekker FJfalseImproving TRAIL-induced apoptosis in cancers by interfering with histone modifications.Epigenetic regulation refers to alterations to the chromatin template that collectively establish differential patterns of gene transcription. Post-translational modifications of the histones play a key role in epigenetic regulation of gene transcription. In this review, we provide an overview of recent studies on the role of histone modifications in carcinogenesis. Since tumour-selective ligands such as tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) are well-considered as promising anti-tumour therapies, we summarise strategies for improving TRAIL sensitivity by inhibiting aberrant histone modifications in cancers. In this perspective we also discuss new epigenetic drug targets for enhancing TRAIL-mediated apoptosis.2020-01-01T00:00:00Z20202025-05-18T12:04:48.949Z2025-04-05T20:38:38.415ZS-EPMC89925533558223010.20517/cdr.2020.58