Understanding of
cancer with the help of ever-expanding cutting edge technological tools and bioinformatics is revolutionizing modern
cancer research by broadening the space of discovery window of various genomic and epigenomic processes. Genomics data integrated with multi-omics layering have advanced
cancer research. Uncovering such layers of genetic mutations/modifications, epigenetic regulation and their role in the complex pathophysiology of
cancer progression could lead to novel therapeutic interventions. Although a plethora of literature is available in public domain defining the role of various
tumor driver gene mutations, understanding of epigenetic regulation of
cancer is still emerging. This review focuses on epigenetic regulation association with the pathogenesis of non-
melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). NMSC has higher prevalence in Caucasian populations compared to other races. Due to lack of proper reporting to
cancer registries, the incidence rates for NMSC worldwide cannot be accurately estimated. However, this is the most common
neoplasm in humans, and millions of new cases per year are reported in the United States alone. In organ transplant recipients, the incidence of NMSC particularly of
squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is very high and these SCCs frequently become metastatic and lethal. Understanding of solar ultraviolet (UV) light-induced damage and impaired DNA repair process leading to
DNA mutations and nuclear instability provide an insight into the pathogenesis of metastatic
neoplasm. This review discusses the recent advances in the field of epigenetics of NMSCs. Particularly, the role of DNA methylation,
histone hyperacetylation and
non-coding RNA such as long-chain noncoding (lnc)
RNAs, circular RNAs and
miRNA in the
disease progression are summarized.