The role of epigenetic methylations in thyroid Cancer

Abstract Thyroid cancer (TC) represents one of the most prevalent endocrine malignancies, with a rising incidence worldwide. Epigenetic alterations, which modify gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence, have garnered significant attention in recent years. Increasing evidence underscores the pivotal role of epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, RNA methylation, and histone methylation, in the pathogenesis of TC. This review provides a comprehensive overview of these reversible and environmentally influenced epigenetic modifications, highlighting their molecular mechanisms and functional roles in TC. Additionally, the clinical implications, challenges associated with studying these epigenetic modifications, and potential future research directions are explored. Graphical Abstract