DNA methylation and expression of LINE-1 and HERV-K provirus sequences in urothelial and renal cell carcinomas
1999
DNA Methylation in Bladder and Renal Cancers
Sample size: 107
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Florl A R, Löwer R, Schmitz-Dräger B J, Schulz W A
Primary Institution: Heinrich-Heine-Universität
Hypothesis
Hypomethylation in human tumors may lead to the reactivation of retroelements.
Conclusion
DNA hypomethylation is an early change in urothelial carcinoma but is absent from renal cell carcinoma.
Supporting Evidence
- LINE-1 sequences were strongly methylated in normal tissues.
- 95% of urothelial carcinomas showed significant hypomethylation.
- Hypomethylation in bladder cancers was independent of stage and tended to increase with grade.
- HERV-K proviral DNA methylation paralleled that of LINE-1 sequences.
Takeaway
In bladder cancer, certain DNA sequences are less methylated, which might make them more active and unstable, while this isn't the case in kidney cancer.
Methodology
The methylation status of LINE-1 retroposons was determined in bladder and renal cancer samples using Southern blot analysis.
Participant Demographics
73 samples of urinary bladder cancers and 34 specimens of renal cell carcinoma.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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