Inactivation of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase by promoter CpG island hypermethylation in gastric cancers
2002

Inactivation of a DNA Repair Gene in Gastric Cancers

Sample size: 149 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Bae S I, Lee H S, Kim S H, Kim W H

Primary Institution: Seoul National University College of Medicine

Hypothesis

The study investigates the association between methylation and expression of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase in gastric cancers.

Conclusion

The loss of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase expression is frequently caused by promoter hypermethylation and is significantly associated with tumor progression and prognosis.

Supporting Evidence

  • Promoter methylation was detected in 14.1% of gastric tumors.
  • Loss of MGMT expression was found in 11.4% of tumors.
  • Loss of MGMT expression was significantly associated with pTNM stage, tumor invasion, microsatellite instability, and overall survival.

Takeaway

Some stomach cancer cells can turn off a gene that helps fix DNA damage, which can make the cancer worse.

Methodology

Methylation-specific PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed on gastric carcinoma samples to assess methylation and expression of the MGMT gene.

Limitations

The study may not account for all factors influencing MGMT expression and its association with clinical outcomes.

Participant Demographics

Patients with gastric carcinomas from Seoul National University Hospital.

Statistical Information

P-Value

P=0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6600372

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication