Loss of imprinting of IGF2 correlates with hypermethylation of the H19 differentially methylated region in hepatoblastoma
2008

Loss of Imprinting of IGF2 in Hepatoblastoma

Sample size: 54 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Honda S, Arai Y, Haruta M, Sasaki F, Ohira M, Yamaoka H, Horie H, Nakagawara A, Hiyama E, Todo S, Kaneko Y

Primary Institution: Saitama Cancer Center

Hypothesis

The study investigates the correlation between loss of imprinting of IGF2 and hypermethylation of the H19 differentially methylated region in hepatoblastoma.

Conclusion

The study found that genetic and epigenetic alterations in the IGF2-H19 region are prevalent in hepatoblastoma, with lower incidences of loss of heterozygosity and loss of imprinting compared to Wilms' tumor.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study found that 22% of tumors exhibited loss of heterozygosity.
  • 17% of tumors showed loss of imprinting.
  • 61% of tumors retained imprinting.
  • Biallelic and monoallelic IGF2 expressions correlated with hypermethylation and normal methylation of H19 DMR.

Takeaway

This study looked at how a gene called IGF2 behaves in liver tumors in children, finding that changes in its activity are linked to another gene's behavior.

Methodology

The study analyzed the methylation status of the H19 DMR, loss of heterozygosity, and allelic expression of IGF2 in 54 hepatoblastoma tumors using various molecular techniques.

Limitations

The study's findings may not be generalizable due to the limited number of tumors examined and the specific population studied.

Participant Demographics

The study involved 54 Japanese children with hepatoblastoma, with a median age of 18 months at diagnosis.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6604754

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