Oligonucleotide inhibitors that inhibit expression of a mammalian MBD2/DNA
demethylase (MBD2/dMTase) are provided. The oligonucleotide inhibitors
can be used to inhibit the growth or proliferation of tumor cells in
vitro and in vivo. The use of the oligonucleotide inhibitors in the
treatment of cancer and methods of identifying potential target genes for
cancer therapy or diagnosis using the oligonucleotide inhibitors are also
provided.