Epigenetic Silencing of HOPX Promotes Cancer Progression in Colorectal Cancer

Homeodomain-only protein X (HOPX)-β promoter methylation was recently shown to be frequent in human cancers and was suggested as tumor suppressor gene in esophageal and gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanistic roles of HOPX-β promoter methylation and its clinical relevance in colorectal cancer (CRC). HOPX-β promoter methylation was assessed in human CRC cell lines and 294 CRC tissues. HOPX mRNA and protein levels were measured in relation to HOPX-β promoter methylation. The effects of forced HOPX expression on tumorigenesis were studied using in vitro and in vivo assays. The association between HOPX-β promoter methylation and clinical relevance of CRC patients was determined. HOPX-β promoter methylation is cancer-specific and frequently found in CRC cell lines and tissues, resulting in the down-regulation of HOPX mRNA and protein levels. In CRC cell lines, forced expression of HOPX suppressed proliferation, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth. DNA microarray analyses suggested critical downstream genes that are associated with cancer cell proliferation, invasion or angiogenesis. In a mouse xenograft model, HOPX inhibited tumorigenesis and angiogenesis. Finally, HOPX-β promoter methylation was associated with worse prognosis of stage III CRC patients (hazard ratio= 1.40, P = .035) and also with poor differentiation (P = .014). In conclusion, HOPX-β promoter methylation is a frequent and cancer-specific event in CRC progression. This epigenetic alteration may have clinical ramifications in the diagnosis and treatment of CRC patients.     

Epigenetic inactivation of TFPI-2 as a common mechanism associated with growth and invasion of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Using microarrays, we have screened for genes reactivated by drugs that modify epigenetic mechanisms in pancreatic cancer cells. One of the genes identified was tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 (TFPI-2), which encodes for a broad-spectrum serine proteinase inhibitor that negatively regulates the extracellular matrix degradation, an essential step in tumor invasion and metastasis. We therefore investigated the expression and methylation patterns of the TFPI-2 gene in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and determined its role in tumor growth and invasion. In contrast to its abundant expression in normal pancreas, TFPI-2 mRNA was undetectable in a high fraction of pancreatic cancer cell lines and in primary pancreatic ductal neoplasms (IPMNs). Loss of TFPI-2 expression was associated with aberrant hypermethylation of its promoter CpG island. Treatment with the phorbol ester (PMA), known to stimulate the TFPI-2 promoter activity, augmented the TFPI-2 expression in cell lines with unmethylated or partially methylated TFPI-2, but failed to induce the expression in cell lines that harbored fully methylated TFPI-2. Aberrant methylation of TFPI-2 was also detected in 73% (102/140) of pancreatic cancer xenografts and primary pancreatic adenocarcinomas, was more likely in older patients with pancreatic cancer, and significantly correlated with progression of IPMNs (P=0.0002). Restored expression of the TFPI-2 gene in nonexpressing pancreatic cancer cells resulted in marked suppression in their proliferation, migration, and invasive potential in vitro. We thus conclude that epigenetic inactivation of TFPI-2 is a common mechanism that contributes to the aggressive phenotype of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.     

PC-1基因在肿瘤组织中的表达及其启动子区的克隆和活性分析

背景与目的：PC－1是在骨转移和雄激素非依赖的前列腺癌细胞株C4－2中高表达的新基因。本文拟研究PC－1基因在多种人肿瘤组织和正常组织中的表达水平,并对该基因的启动子区进行克隆及活性分析。方法：以PC－1基因特异性DNA序列为探针与10对肿瘤和正常组织的总RNA进行杂交;以C4－2细胞基因组DNA为模板,PCR扩增PC－1基因翻译起始位点上游DNA序列。PCR产物定向克隆到含荧光素酶报告基因的载体pGL3-Basic上,将重组质粒瞬时转染C4－2细胞,荧光素酶定量分析检测启动子活性。结果：多肿瘤组织中PC－1基因的表达水平明显高于相应的正常组织中的表达;翻译起始位点上游340bp的片段没有启动子活性,而ATG前1099bp、1337bp,1579bp,1831bp和4939bp长度的片段都表现出启动子的功能活性。结论：PC－1基因在人前列腺癌以及多种肿瘤组织中被特异激活,表明该基因的功能可能和肿瘤的发生有关;研究的初步结果表明4939bp长度的启动子活性最强,以1831bp和4939bp之间可能含有转录增强子元件。     

Klotho is silenced through promoter hypermethylation in gastric cancer

As one of major epigenetic changes to inactivate tumor suppressor genes in human carcinogenesis, promoter hypermethylation was proposed as a marker to define novel tumor suppressor genes and predict the prognosis of cancer patients. In the present study, we found KL (klotho) as a novel tumor suppressor gene silenced through promoter hypermethylation in gastric cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. KL expression was downregulated in primary gastric carcinoma tissues (n=22, p<0.05) and all of gastric cancer cells lines examined. Ectopic expression of KL inhibited the growth of gastric cancer cells partially through the induction of apoptosis, demonstrating a tumor suppressive role of KL in gastric cancer. Demethylation with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (Aza) increased KL expression and KL promoter was hypermethylated in gastric cancer cell lines as well as some of primary gastric carcinoma tissues (47/99) but none of normal gastric tissues. Importantly, promoter methylation of KL was significantly associated with the poor outcome of gastric cancer patients (p=0.025, Log-rank test), highlighting the relevance of epigenetic inactivation of KL in gastric carcinogenesis. As a summary, we found that KL is a novel tumor suppressor gene epigenetically inactivated in gastric cancer and promoter methylation of KL could be used to predict the prognosis of gastric cancer patients.     

TMEM196基因在肺癌中的甲基化修饰与表达调控

目的:分析TMEM196基因在肺癌组织中的甲基化情况以及甲基化发生对TMEM196基因表达的影响。方法:采用MSP方法检测肺癌组织、癌旁正常对照组织及肺癌细胞株TMEM196基因甲基化率;用去甲基化药物5-氮-2'-脱氧胞苷(5-aza-dC)处理肺癌细胞后,采用RT-PCR法检测TMEM196 mRNA表达水平。 结果:肺癌组织中TMEM196基因甲基化发生率为57%(28/49),而正常对照组织中该基因甲基化发生率为0(0/20)。TMEM196基因甲基化与肿瘤的分化程度(P=0.012)和临床分期显著相关(P=0.007),而与患者的年龄、性别、吸烟以及肿瘤的病理分类无显著相关(P>0.05)。TMEM196基因在肺癌细胞株H1975和H1650中高甲基化且表达缺失,去甲基化药物(5-aza-dC)处理细胞后TMEM196 mRNA表达明显升高,说明TMEM196基因表达可能受甲基化调控。结论:TMEM196基因甲基化与肺癌的发生发展密切相关,推测该基因通过DNA甲基化失活参与了肿瘤的发生。     

胰腺癌Panc-1细胞TFPI-2基因甲基化状态与其体内体外侵袭能力的关系

目的:探讨甲基化酶抑制剂5-氮杂-2'-脱氧胞苷(5-aza-2-deoxycytidine,5-Aza-dC)对胰腺癌Panc-1细胞体内体外侵袭能力及裸鼠皮下移植肿瘤组织TFPI-2基因甲基化状态及表达的影响.方法:用不同浓度的5-Aza-dC处理胰腺癌Panc-1细胞.Transwell法测定各组Panc-1细胞的体外侵袭能力.将用药物处理过的各组Panc-1细胞分别接种于裸鼠皮下,观察各组成瘤率及肿瘤大小.用MSP及RT-PCR检测裸鼠移植瘤组织TFPI-2基因甲基化状态及TFPI-2基因mRNA表达情况.结果:与对照组相比,药物处理组Panc-1细胞体外侵袭能力明显下降,裸鼠成瘤率明显降低,第八周时,肿瘤体积明显低于对照组(P<0.05).与对照组相比,TFPI-2基因异常甲基化状态在药物处理组裸鼠移植瘤组织中得到逆转,药物处理组移植瘤TFPI-2基因mRNA重新表达,并呈剂量依赖性(P<0.05).结论:甲基化酶抑制剂5-氮杂-2'-脱氧胞苷可能在一定程度上抑制人胰腺癌Panc-1细胞系的体内体外侵袭和生长能力,其机制可能与逆转TFPI-2基因高甲基化状态从而恢复其表达有关.     

Promoter Hypermethylation of the ATM Gene as a Novel Biomarker for Breast Cancer

Background: Breast cancer may be induced by activation of protooncogenes to oncogenes and in many cases inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) is an important tumor suppressor gene which plays central roles in the maintenance of genomic integrity by activating cell cycle checkpoints and promoting repair of double-strand breaks of DNA. In breast cancer, decrease ATM expression correlates with a poor outcome; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying downregulation are still unclear. Promoter hypermethylation may contribute in downregulation. Hence the present investigation was designed to evaluate promoter methylation and expression of the ATM gene in breast cancer cases, and to determine links with clinical and demographic manifestations, in a South Indian population. Methods: Tumor biopsy samples were collected from 50 pathologically confirmed sporadic breast cancer cases. DNA was isolated from tumor and adjacent non-tumorous regions, and sodium bisulfite conversion and methylation-specific PCR were performed using MS-PCR primers for the ATM promoter region. In addition, ATM mRNA expression was also analyzed for all samples using real-time PCR. Results: Fifty eight percent (58%) of cancer tissue samples showed promoter hypermethylation for the ATM gene, in contrast to only 4.44% of normal tissues (p= 0.0001). Furthermore, ATM promoter methylation was positively associated with age (p = 0.01), tumor size (p=0.045) and advanced stage of disease i.e. stages III and IV (p =0.019). An association between promoter hypermethylation and lower expression of ATM mRNA was also found (p=0.035). Conclusion: We report for the first time that promoter hypermethylation of ATM gene may be useful as a potential new biomarker for breast cancer, especially in the relatively young patients.     

胰腺癌Panc-1细胞TFPI-2基因甲基化状态与其体内体外侵袭能力的关系

目的：探讨甲基化酶抑制剂5-氮杂-2＇-脱氧胞苷（5-aza-2-deoxycytidine,5-Aza-dC）对胰腺癌Panc-1细胞体内体外侵袭能力及裸鼠皮下移植肿瘤组织TFPI-2基因甲基化状态及表达的影响。方法：用不同浓度的5-Aza-dC处理胰腺癌Panc-1细胞。Transwell法测定各组Panc-1细胞的体外侵袭能力。将用药物处理过的各组Panc-1细胞分别接种于裸鼠皮下,观察各组成瘤率及肿瘤大小。用MSP及RT-PCR检测裸鼠移植瘤组织TFPI-2基因甲基化状态及TFPI-2基因mRNA表达情况。结果：与对照组相比,药物处理组Panc-1细胞体外侵袭能力明显下降,裸鼠成瘤率明显降低,第八周时,肿瘤体积明显低于对照组（P〈0.05）。与对照组相比,TFPI-2基因异常甲基化状态在药物处理组裸鼠移植瘤组织中得到逆转,药物处理组移植瘤TFPI-2基因mRNA重新表达,并呈剂量依赖性（P〈0.05）。结论：甲基化酶抑制剂5-氮杂-2＇-脱氧胞苷可能在一定程度上抑制人胰腺癌Panc-1细胞系的体内体外侵袭和生长能力,其机制可能与逆转TFPI-2基因高甲基化状态从而恢复其表达有关。     

Hypermethylation of the human telomerase catalytic subunit (hTERT) gene correlates with telomerase activity

DNA methylation is an epigenetic process involved in embryonic development, differentiation and aging. It is 1 of the mechanisms resulting in gene silencing in carcinogenesis, especially in tumor suppressor genes (e.g., p16, Rb). Telomerase, the DNA polymerase adding TTAGGG repeats to the chromosome end, is involved in the regulation of the replicative life span by maintaining telomere length. This enzyme is activated in germ and stem cells, repressed in normal somatic cells and reactivated in a large majority of tumor cells. The promoter region of the hTERT gene, encoding for the catalytic subunit of human telomerase, has been located in a CpG island and may therefore be regulated at least in part by DNA methylation. We analyzed the methylation status of 27 CpG sites within the hTERT promoter core region by methylation-sensitive single-strand conformation analysis (MS-SSCA) and direct sequencing using bisulfite-modified DNA in 56 human tumor cell lines, as well as tumor and normal tissues from different organs. A positive correlation was observed among hypermethylation of the hTERT promoter, hTERT mRNA expression and telomerase activity (p < 0.00001). Furthermore, this correlation was confirmed in normal tissues where hypermethylation of the hTERT promoter was found exclusively in hTERT-expressing telomerase-positive samples and was absent in telomerase-negative samples (p < 0.00002). Since tumor tissues contain also nonneoplastic stromal elements, we performed microdissection to allow confirmation that the hTERT promoter methylation truly occurred in tumor cells. Our results suggest that methylation may be involved in the regulation of hTERT gene expression. To our knowledge, this is the first gene in which methylation of its promoter sequence has been found to be positively correlated with gene expression.     

Absence of E-cadherin expression distinguishes noncohesive from cohesive pancreatic cancer.

PURPOSE: The role of E-cadherin in carcinogenesis is of great interest, but few studies have examined its relevance to pancreatic carcinoma. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We evaluated E-cadherin protein expression by immunohistochemistry in pancreatobiliary cancers having a noncohesive histologic phenotype (21 undifferentiated adenocarcinomas and 7 signet ring carcinomas), comparing the results with pancreatic cancers having a cohesive phenotype (25 moderately differentiated and 14 poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas). RESULTS: Twenty of 21 undifferentiated cancers had complete absence of E-cadherin expression, as did two signet ring carcinomas. In contrast, cohesive cancers (n = 39) had E-cadherin labeling at the plasma membrane (P < 0.001). Subsets of cancers were also evaluated for beta-catenin expression. All of the cohesive lesions (n = 28) showed a membranous beta-catenin expression pattern, whereas noncohesive foci (n = 7) were characterized by either cytoplasmic labeling or complete absence of beta-catenin protein expression, suggestive of a deficient zonula adherens in noncohesive cancers. E-cadherin promoter hypermethylation was observed in an undifferentiated pancreatic cancer cell line, MiaPaCa-2, whereas two pancreatic cancer cell lines derived from differentiated lesions lacked any evidence of E-cadherin promoter methylation. No pattern of E-cadherin promoter methylation could be determined in three primary cancers having mixed histologic patterns (contained both cohesive and noncohesive foci). No somatic mutations in E-cadherin were identified in noncohesive pancreatic cancers having inactivated E-cadherin. CONCLUSIONS: Noncohesive pancreatic cancers were characterized by the loss of E-cadherin protein expression. Promoter hypermethylation is a possible mechanism of E-cadherin gene silencing in a subset of these cancers.     

乳腺癌中NDRG-1基因甲基化及其体外逆转研究

目的:探讨N-myc下游调节基因(N-myc downstream regulated gene-1,NDRG-1)基因在乳腺癌组织中的甲基化状态,研究甲基化酶抑制剂5-氮杂-2'-脱氧胞苷(5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine, 5-Aza-CdR)对乳腺癌细胞株T47D的生长增殖及NDRG-1 mRNA表达的影响.方法:采用甲基化特异性PCR(methylation specific PCR,MSP)法检测乳腺癌组织、相应癌旁组织和乳腺良性病变组织中NDRG-1基因启动子甲基化状态;5-Aza-CdR处理T47D细胞后,MTT法观察细胞生长活性的变化,RT-PCR法检测处理前后抑癌基因NDRG-1的mRNA表达变化.结果:NDRG-1基因在乳腺癌组织中甲基化率为46.8%,癌旁组织中甲基化率为21.3%,而乳腺良性病变组织均未检测到甲基化.T47D细胞经5-Aza-CdR处理后,与对照组相比,细胞生长受到明显抑制.RT-PCR检测发现,与对照组相比,不同浓度处理组细胞的NDRG-1 mRNA表达增多. 结论:NDRG-1基因甲基化状态与乳腺癌发生有密切关系.5-Aza-CdR逆转T47D细胞NDRG-1基因甲基化,恢复该基因的表达,从而抑制肿瘤细胞生长.     

死亡相关蛋白激酶基因启动子区过甲基化与喉癌的关系

目的　探讨死亡相关蛋白激酶 (DAPK)基因启动子区过甲基化与喉癌的关系。方法采用MSP和RT PCR法分析喉部正常黏膜、喉癌及相应癌旁组织中DAPK基因启动子区过甲基化及其mRNA表达状况。结果　 5 8例喉癌组织中 ,有 39(6 7.2 % )例DAPK基因启动子区过甲基化 ,其在各病理分级和T分级之间差异无显著性 (P >0 .0 5 ) ,而在N分级 (N0和N1)之间差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 0 1)。 5 8例癌旁组织中 ,有 6例甲基化 ,且均为喉癌组织中有甲基化的病例。RT PCR结果显示 ,所有甲基化的喉癌组织中均无DAPKmRNA表达 ,而喉部正常组织、非甲基化的喉癌组织和癌旁组织中均有其表达。结论　喉癌中DAPK基因启动子区过甲基化与其mRNA失表达有关 ,可能是喉癌发生、发展的原因之一 ,可作为喉癌诊断和预后分析的检测指标     

基于生物信息学分析GJB3基因在胰腺癌组织中的表达及机制北大核心

目的:运用生物信息学方法探究GJB3基因在胰腺癌组织中的表达及潜在作用机制,并进一步验证其在胰腺癌组织中的表达水平及其临床意义。方法:利用GEPIA在线数据库分析GJB3在胰腺癌组织中的表达及对预后的影响;从TCGA数据库下载有关GJB3基因的临床样本表达数据,分析GJB3表达与胰腺癌临床病理参数的相关性;采用实时荧光定量PCR法测定15例胰腺癌组织及其癌旁组织中GJB3基因的表达水平,结合数据库临床病理参数分析其表达水平对胰腺癌患者预后的影响。随后通过慢病毒介导的RNA干扰来沉默AsPC-1细胞株中的GJB3表达,进一步检测胰腺癌细胞增殖能力及细胞周期所受到的影响。结果:GJB3在胰腺癌组织中的表达量高于正常胰腺组织(P<0.05)。与低表达患者相比,GJB3高表达患者的总体生存期(P<0.05)和无病生存期(P<0.05)较差。GJB3基因的表达与胰腺癌患者的T分期和TNM分期显著相关(P<0.05)。GJB3在胰腺癌患者的癌组织中表达水平明显增高(P<0.05)。沉默GJB3表达后,胰腺癌AsPC-1细胞的增殖能力受到抑制(P<0.05)。结论:GJB3基因在胰腺癌组织中的表达水平显著增高,与胰腺癌不良的预后相关,沉默GJB3能抑制胰腺癌细胞增殖,同时GJB3可能通过影响细胞周期加速胰腺癌的进展。     

Hypermethylation and Clinicopathological Significance of RASAL1 Gene in Gastric Cancer

Background: Recent studies have suggested that expression of the RAS protein activator like-1 gene (RASAL1)is decreased in gastric carcinoma tissues and cell lines, indicated a role in tumorigenesis and development ofgastric cancer. Reduced expression of RASAL1 could result in aberrant increase of activity of RAS signalingpathways in cancer cells. However, the exact mechanism which induces down-regulation of the RASAL1 generemains unclear. This study aimed to determine the methylation status and regulation of RASAL1 in gastric cancer.Materials and Methods: Using the methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP), the methylation statusof CpG islands in the RASAL1 promoter in gastric cancers and paired adjacent non-cancerous tissues from 40patients was assessed and its clinicopathological significance was analyzed. The methylation status of RASAL1 ingastric cancer lines MKN-28, SGC-790l, BGC-823, as well as in normal gastric epithelial cell line GES-l was alsodetermined after treatment with a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-aza-2’-doexycytidine (5-Aza-CdR). RASactivity (GAS-GTP) was assessed through a pull-down method, while protein levels of ERK1/2, a downstreammolecule of RAS signaling pathways, were determined by Western blotting. Results: The frequencies of RASAL1promoter methylation in gastric cancer and paired adjacent non-cancerous tissues were 70% (28/40) and 30%(12/40) respectively (P<0.05). There were significantly correlations between RASAL1 promoter methylation withtumor differentiation, tumor size, invasive depth and lymph node metastasis in patients with gastric cancer(all P<0.05), but no correlation was found for age or gender. Promoter hypermethylation of the RASAL1 genewas detected in MKN-28, SGC-790l and BGC-823 cancer cells, but not in the normal gastric epithelial cell lineGES-1. Elevated expression of the RASAL1 protein, a decreased RAS-GTP and p-ERK1/2 protein were detectedin three gastric cancer cell lines after treatment with 5-Aza-CdR. Conclusions: Aberrant hypermethylation ofthe RASAL1 gene promoter frequently occurs in gastric cancer tissues and cells. In addition, the demethylatingagent 5-Aza-CdR can reverse the hypermethylation of RASAL1 gene and up-regulate the expression of RASAL1significantly in gastric cancer cells in vivo. Our study suggests that RASAL1 promoter methylation may have acertain relationship with the reduced RASAL1 expression in gastric cancer.     

肺癌E-cadherin基因启动子CpG岛甲基化与蛋白表达的关系及其意义

背景与目的：目前认为CpG岛甲基化导致转录抑制是恶性肿瘤发生的重要机制之一.E-cadherin能抑制肿瘤细胞的浸润和转移,被公认为是浸润、转移抑制基因.本研究检测肺癌组织中E-cadherin基因启动子CpG岛甲基化的状况,并探讨基因异常甲基化与蛋白表达的关系及其意义.方法：采用甲基化特异性PCR技术,检测22例肺癌组织,相应的癌旁组织和9例正常肺组织中E-cadherin基因启动子CpG岛甲基化的状况.采用免疫组化S-P法相应检测了E-cadherin蛋白的表达.结果：肺癌中E-cadherin基因启动子CpG岛完全甲基化率为13.6%（3/22）,部分甲基化率为27.3%（6/22）,总甲基化率为40.9%（9/22）,显著高于相应癌旁组织中该基因的甲基化率9.1%（2/22） （P＜0.05）.9例正常肺组织中未检测到此基因的甲基化（0/9）.22例癌组织中E-cadherin蛋白表达减弱或缺失率59.1%（13/22）,显著高于相应癌旁组织蛋白表达减弱缺失率27.3%（6/22）.肺癌组织中发生甲基化者蛋白表达率及强度明显低于未甲基化者.结论：肺癌组织中存在E-cadherin基因启动子CpG岛的异常甲基化,E-cadherin基因启动子CpG岛的异常甲基化可能是E-cadherin蛋白表达下调的主要原因.