Hexokinases (HKs) convert hexose sugars to hexose-6-phosphate, thus trapping them inside cells to meet the synthetic and energetic demands. HKs participate in various standard and altered physiological processes, including cancer, primarily through the reprogramming of cellular metabolism. Four canonical HKs have been identified with different expression patterns across tissues. HKs 1–3 play a role in glucose utilization, whereas HK 4 (glucokinase, GCK) also acts as a glucose sensor. Recently, a novel fifth HK, hexokinase domain containing 1 (HKDC1), has been identified, which plays a role in whole-body glucose utilization and insulin sensitivity. Beyond the metabolic functions, HKDC1 is differentially expressed in many forms of human cancer. This review focuses on the role of HKs, particularly HKDC1, in metabolic reprogramming and cancer progression.

Epigenetics “above or over genetics” is the term used for processes that result in modifications which are stably inherited through cell generations, without changing the underlying DNA sequence of the cell. These include DNA methylation, Post-translational histone modification and non-coding RNAs. Over the last two decades, interest in the field of epigenetics has grown manifold because of the realization of its involvement in key cellular and pathological processes beyond what was initially anticipated. Epigenetics and chromatin biology have been underscored to play key roles in diseases like cancer. The landscape of different epigenetic signatures can vary considerably from one cancer type to another, and even from one ethnic group to another in the case of same cancer. This chapter discusses the emerging role of epigenetics and chromatin biology in the field of cancer research. It discusses about the different forms of epigenetic mechanisms and their respective role in carcinogenesis in the light of emerging research.