Aberrant methylation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor type 2B (NMDAR2B) in non-small cell carcinoma
2011

Methylation of NMDAR2B in Lung Cancer

Sample size: 225 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Tamura Hajime, Suzuki Makoto, Moriya Yasumitsu, Hoshino Hidehisa, Okamoto Tatsuro, Yoshida Shigetoshi, Yoshino Ichiro

Primary Institution: Chiba University

Hypothesis

The expression and genetic methylation patterns of NMDAR2B in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are unknown.

Conclusion

Aberrant methylation of the NMDAR2B gene is a common event in NSCLC, and it may serve as an important molecular marker, especially in squamous cell carcinomas.

Supporting Evidence

  • NMDAR2B was silenced in five of the nine cell lines studied.
  • Aberrant methylation of NMDAR2B was detected in 61% of clinical NSCLC tissues.
  • Methylation status was inversely correlated with protein expression in tumors.

Takeaway

Scientists found that a gene called NMDAR2B is often turned off in lung cancer, and this can help doctors understand how to treat patients better.

Methodology

The study analyzed gene methylation and expression in NSCLC cell lines and clinical tissues using RT-PCR and methylation specific real-time quantitative PCR.

Limitations

The study had a relatively small sample size for squamous cell carcinoma cases.

Participant Demographics

216 unselected NSCLC patients, including 116 adenocarcinoma, 76 squamous cell carcinoma, 12 large cell carcinoma, and 2 adeno-squamous cell carcinoma.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p=0.002

Confidence Interval

95%CI: 0.188-0.775

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2407-11-220

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