Transcription factors and molecular epigenetic marks underlying EpCAM overexpression in ovarian cancer
2011

Understanding EpCAM Overexpression in Ovarian Cancer

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): van der Gun B T F, de Groote M L, Kazemier H G, Arendzen A J, Terpstra P, Ruiters M H J, McLaughlin P M J, Rots M G

Primary Institution: University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen

Hypothesis

What are the mechanisms underlying EpCAM overexpression in ovarian carcinoma?

Conclusion

The study reveals that DNA methylation and histone modifications play significant roles in the regulation of EpCAM expression in ovarian cancer.

Supporting Evidence

  • EpCAM is overexpressed in ovarian carcinomas, indicating its potential role in cancer progression.
  • Treatment with a DNA methylation inhibitor induced EpCAM expression in negative cells.
  • Histone modifications were associated with EpCAM expression in ovarian cancer cell lines.

Takeaway

This study looks at how certain chemical changes in DNA can make cancer cells produce more of a protein called EpCAM, which is linked to ovarian cancer.

Methodology

The study used ovarian cancer cell lines to analyze EpCAM expression, DNA methylation, and histone modifications through various assays including bisulphite sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.02

Statistical Significance

p=0.02

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/bjc.2011.231

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