Methylation of Oestrogen Receptor Gene in Ovarian Cancer Cells
Author Information
Author(s): O'Doherty A M, Church S W, Russell S E H, Nelson J, Hickey I
Primary Institution: The Queen's University of Belfast
Hypothesis
Is hypermethylation of the oestrogen receptor α gene associated with the loss of its expression in ovarian cancer cell lines?
Conclusion
Hypermethylation of the oestrogen receptor α gene may contribute to the loss of its expression in some ovarian cancer cell lines.
Supporting Evidence
- Cell lines expressing oestrogen receptor α showed no evidence of hypermethylation.
- In three of four cell lines that produced no detectable oestrogen receptor α protein, hypermethylation was observed.
- The study indicates that aberrant hypermethylation may be responsible for a significant proportion of epithelial ovarian tumours.
Takeaway
Some ovarian cancer cells don't make a protein called oestrogen receptor α because their DNA is changed in a way that turns it off.
Methodology
The study used methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (MS–PCR) to analyze the methylation status of the oestrogen receptor α gene in ovarian cell lines.
Limitations
The study does not address other potential causes for the loss of ER-α expression in some cell lines.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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