Expression of O⁶-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase Examined by Alkyl-Transfer Assays, Methylation-Specific PCR and Western Blots in Tumors and Matched Normal Tissue

The tumor selectivity of alkylating agents that produce guanine O6-chloroethyl (laromustine and carmustine) and O6-methyl (temozolomide) lesions depends upon O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) activity being lower in tumor than in host tissue. Despite the established role of MGMT as a tumor resistance factor, consensus on how to assess MGMT expression in clinical samples is unsettled. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the values derived from distinctive MGMT measurements in 13, 12, 6 and 2 pairs of human tumors and matched normal adjacent tissue from the colon, kidney, lung and liver, respectively, and in human cell lines. The MGMT measurements included 1) alkyl-transfer assays using [benzene-3H]O6-benzylguanine as a substrate to assess functional MGMT activity, 2) methylation-specific PCR (MSP) to probe MGMT gene promoter CpG methylations as a measure of gene silencing, and 3) western immunoblots to analyze the MGMT protein. In human cell lines, a strict negative correlation existed between MGMT activity and the extent of promoter methylation. In tissue specimens, by contrast, the correlation between these two variables was low. Moreover, alkyl-transfer assays identified 3 pairs of tumors and normal tissue with tumor-selective reduction in MGMT activity in the absence of promoter methylation. Cell line MGMT migrated as a single band in western analyses, whereas tissue MGMT was heterogeneous around its molecular size and at much higher molecular masses, indicative of multi-layered post-translational modifications. Malignancy is occasionally associated with a mobility shift in MGMT. Contrary to the prevalent expectation that MGMT expression is governed at the level of gene silencing, these data suggest that other mechanisms that can lead to tumorselective reduction in MGMT activity exist in human tissue.

Different denaturation rates between methylated and non-methylated genomic DNA can result in allele-specific PCR amplification

We analysed a DNA sample from a father and child who were both heterozygous for a 7 base pair insertion in the MEST gene differentially-methylated promoter region, previously shown by PCR analysis of bisulphite-treated DNA to be on the methylated allele in the unaffected father and the unmethylated allele in the affected child. PCR from genomic DNA was then carried out using a commercial PCR kit with its recommended initial DNA denaturation step of 2 minutes. Subsequent sequence analysis showed that only the non-methylated allele had been amplified, the father appearing to be homozygous normal and the child appearing to have a homozygous 7 b.p. insertion. The PCR protocol was then modified in order to use a longer DNA denaturation stage prior to the addition of the polymerase enzyme. Upon doing so, both the methylated and non-methylated alleles were then identifiable by sequencing with the mutation appearing in its expected heterozygous form. These results highlight the fact that the methylation status of DNA can affect the denaturation rate prior to PCR and result in allele drop-out, showing that the standard protocols of commercial kits should be used with caution when working with methylated regions of DNA.

Methylation of RAR-β2, RASSF1A, and CDKN2A Genes Induced by Nickel Subsulfide and Nickel-carcinogenesis in Rats

Objective To investigate the expression variation of RAR‐β2, RASSF1A, and CDKN2A gene in the process of nickel‐induced carcinogenesis. Methods Nickel subsulfide （Ni 3 S 2 ） at dose of 10 mg was given to Wistar rats by intramuscular injection. The mRNA expression of the three genes in induced tumors and their lung metastasis were examined by Real‐time PCR. The methylation status of the 5’ region of these genes were detected by Quantitative Real‐time methylation specific PCR. Results The mRNA expressions of the three genes both in muscle and lung tumor were decreased distinctly in comparison with normal tissue. But hypermethylation was found only in muscle tumor. Conclusion These findings suggest that loss of function or decrease of RAR‐β2, RASSF1A, and CDKN2A, as well as the hypermethylation of 5’ region of these genes, are related with nickel exposure.

Promoter hypermethylation of death-associated protein kinase gene in cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: Death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) is a Ca2+/calmodulin-regulated Ser/Thr kinase which is involved in apoptosis. The aberrant methylation of its promoter region CpG islands may be one of the important mechanisms of carcinogenesis. We studied the relationship of methylation status and expression of the DAPK gene with the clinical findings in cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS: Target DNA was modified by sodium bisulfite, coverting all unmethylated, but not methylated, cytosines to uracil, and subsequently detected by methylation-specific PCR. Moreover, mRNA expression of the DAPK gene was assessed by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Aberrant methylation of the DAPK gene was detected in 11 (30.6%) of 36 tissue specimens of cholangiocarcinoma, and in 2 (5.6%) of 36 specimens of adjacent normal tissues. DAPK mRNA was not expressed in tumor and adjacent tissues with hypermethylation of the DAPK promoter. There were no statistical differences in the extent of differentiation and invasion, lymph node metastasis or pathologic type between the methylated and unmethylated tissues. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of DAPK gene methylation in cholangiocarcinoma is high and it may offer an effective means for earlier auxiliary diagnosis of the malignancy. The DAPK gene is probably suppressed by methylation, and it could become resistant to apoptosis and immunological surveillance. The DAPK gene epigenetically affected by methylation may be associated with the carcinogenesis of cholangiocarcinoma.

MLH1 promoter germline-methylation in selected probands of Chinese hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer families

AIM: To detect the MLH1 gene promoter germline- methylation in probands of Chinese hereditary non- polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), and to evaluate the role of methylation in MLH1 gene promoter and molecular genetics in screening for HNPCC. METHODS: The promoter germline methylation of MLH1 gene was detected by methylation-specific PCR (MSP) in 18 probands from unrelated HNPCC families with high microsatellite-instability (MSI-H) phenotype but without germline mutations in MSH2, MLH1 and MSH6 genes. At the same time, 6 kindreds were col- lected with microsatellite-stability (MSS) phenotype but without germline mutations in MSH2, MLH1 and MSH6 genes as controls. The results of MSP were confirmed by clone sequencing. To ensure the reliability of the results, family H65 with nonsense germline mutation at c.2228C > A in MSH2 gene was used as the negative control and the cell line sw48 was used as the known positive control along with water as the blank control. Immunochemical staining of MLH1 protein was per- formed with Envision two-step method in those patients with aberrant methylation to judge whether the status of MLH1 gene methylation affects the expression of MLH1 protein. RESULTS: Five probands with MLH1 gene promoter methylation were detected in 18 Chinese HNPCC fami- lies with MSI-H phenotype but without germline muta- tions in MSH2, MLH1 and MSH6 genes. Two of the five probands from families H10 and H29 displayed exhaus- tive-methylation, fulfilling the Japanese criteria (JC) and the Amsterdam criteria (AC), respectively. The other 3 probands presented part-methylation fulfilling the AC. Of the 13 probands with unmethylation phenotype, 8 ful- filled the JC and the Bethesda guidelines (BG), 5 fulfilled the AC. The rate of aberrant methylation in MLH1 gene in the AC group (22.2%, 4/18) was higher than that in the JC/BG groups (5.6%, 1/18) in all HNPCC families with MSI-H phenotype but without germline mutations in MSH2, MLH1 and MSH6 genes. However, no proband with methylation in MLH1 gene was found in the families with MSS phenotype and without germline mutations in MSH2, MLH1 and MSH6 genes. No expression of MLH1 protein was found in tumor tissues from two patients with exhaustive-methylation phenotype, whereas posi- tive expression of MLH1 protein was observed in tumor tissues from patients with partial methylation phenotype (excluding family H42 without tumor tissue), indicating that exhaustive-methylation of MLH1 gene can cause defective expression of MLH1 protein. CONCLUSION: Methylation phenotype of MLH1 gene is correlated with microsatellite phenotype of MMR genes, especially with MSI-H. Exhaustive-methylation of MLH1 gene can silence the expression of MLH1 pro- tein. MLH1 promoter methylation analysis is a promis- ing tool for molecular genetics screening for HNPCC.

Alteration of oncogenic IGF-II gene methylation status associates with hepatocyte malignant transformation

Background: Oncogenic insulin-like growth factor-II(IGF-II) is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). The present study aimed to analyze the dynamic alteration of IGF-II CpG site methylation status and its molecular mechanism in HCC progression. Methods: IGF-II alterations were observed in rat hepatocarcinogenesis models induced by 2-acetylaminofluorene. Liver IGF-II expression was compared by immunohistochemistry or tissue IGF-II specific concentration(nmol/mg protein). Status of human IGF-II promoter 3(P3) or rat IGF-II P2 CpG site methylation was amplified by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction(MSP). Serum IGF-II levels were quantitatively detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The levels of hepatic IGF-II expression were significantly elevated in the HCC group( P < 0.001). The unmethylation rate of IGF-II P3 CpG sites was 100% in the HCC-, 52.5% in the paracancerous-, and none(0%) in the distal noncancerous-tissues. Abnormal IGF-II expression was related to differentiation degree, tumor invasion, and positive HBV-DNA(all P < 0.001), with a negative correlation between P3 methylation degree and IGF-II expression. There was a positive correlation between liver IGF-II specific concentration and circulating IGF-II level( r = 0.97, P < 0.001). Significantly negative correlation was found between IGF-II P2 CpG site methylation and circulating IGF-II( r s =-0.89, P < 0.001) or liver IGF-II level( r s =-0.84, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The increase of serum IGF-II and the alteration of oncogenic gene IGF-II methylation may be biomarkers for HCC diagnosis and DNA methylation may be the therapeutic target of HCC.

甲基化特异性PCR方法诊断Prader-Willi综合征

目的Prader-Willi综合征(PWS)是多系统异常的复杂临床综合征,仅根据临床症状很难诊断,国外已建立快速、高效、特异性、敏感性均佳的甲基化特异性PCR(MS-PCR)方法用于临床诊断,但我国还未有系统的对照研究。该研究目的便是建立PWS的MS-PCR诊断方法,并对临床疑似患者进行筛查。方法将44例受试者,分为正常对照组(16例)、临床确诊患者组(7例)及临床疑似患者组(21例)。采用盐析法提取基因组DNA;应用CpGemoneTMFast Modification试剂盒行亚硫酸盐修饰;以正常人为阴性对照,未修饰的基因组DNA为系统对照,以M(母源)、P(父源)两对引物同时对修饰产物行PCR;扩增产物以琼脂糖凝胶电泳分离。结果①16例正常对照的PCR结果同时显示M,P两条带,7例临床确诊的PWS患者均只显示一条M带;②经MS-PCR筛查的21例临床疑似患者,2例确诊为PWS,其他19例排除PWS。结论该研究成功建立MS-PCR,并对疑似患者进行了筛查确诊。MS-PCR为特异高效的PWS确诊方法且方便易行。

巢式甲基化特异性PCR检测肺癌病人WIF-1基因启动子区异常甲基化

为了检测肺癌患者血浆中WIF-1基因启动子区的甲基化状态,收集肺癌患者及健康对照者的血浆标本,采用巢式甲基化特异性PCR(nMSP)法检测WIF-1基因启动子区甲基化状态,并与普通甲基化特异性PCR(MSP)法进行了比较,结果在58例肺癌患者血浆样品中经nMSP法发现20例WIF-1基因启动子的过甲基化,用MSP法只检出10例,有吸烟史组WIF-1基因的甲基化率高于无吸烟史组(P<0.05).而20例正常对照血浆中都未检测到WIF-1基因启动子的过甲基化;表明利用巢式MSP(nMSP)法检测外周血血浆中WIF-1基因启动子的甲基化,可为非损伤性筛选和早期诊断肺癌提供有价值的信息.

甲基化特异性多重连接探针扩增及甲基化特异性PCR诊断Prader-Willi综合征方法比较

目的应用甲基化特异性PCR(methylation-specific PCR,MS-PCR)和甲基化特异性多重连接探针扩增(methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification,MS-MLPA)方法对Prader-Willi综合征(Prader-Willi syndrome,PWS)进行诊断并比较两种方法的差异。方法回顾性研究2005年10月至2014年2月到北京协和医院就诊的患儿及正常对照共102例,男57例,女45例。其中正常对照16例;荧光原位杂交或高分辨染色体确诊PWS阳性对照2例;临床疑似PWS患儿84例。提取受试者外周血基因组DNA分别应用MS-PCR及MS-MLPA方法进行基因分析,对疑似患儿进行确诊和遗传类型分型,并计算两种方法的特异性、敏感性及准确度,应用卡方检验对两种方法进行比较。结果 MSPCR结果示正常对照及阳性对照与其表型全部相符,84例疑似患儿中有39例提示为PWS,45例提示正常。MS-MLPA结果示除正常对照外的86例受试者中,29例提示为父源缺失型PWS;9例提示为母源二体型PWS;47例提示为正常;1例因DNA过于陈旧未检出有效结果。对比两种方法检测结果,有2例MS-PCR结果显示为PWS,但MS-MLPA结果显示为正常,通过增加DNA用量重新进行MS-PCR检测后,除外PWS。结合临床表现,受试者中明确诊断PWS的患儿39例,非PWS者63例。MS-PCR方法共出现2例假阳性,假阳性率为3.17%(2/63)。MS-PCR方法敏感性100%,特异性96.83%,准确度98.03%;MS-MLPA方法敏感性97.43%,特异性100%,准确度99.02%。两种方法的敏感性、特异性及准确度差异无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。结论 MS-PCR及MS-MLPA敏感性、特异性及准确度皆佳,均可用于PWS诊断,MS-MLPA可区分父源缺失型及母源二体型。MS-PCR应保证DNA用量充足以避免假阳性出现。MS-MLPA应使用新鲜提取的DNA,且实验条件要求更为严格。建议同时使用两种方法检测以获得准确结果。

p16 promoter hypermethylation:A useful serum marker for early detection of gastric cancer

AIM: To determine p16 promoter hypermethylation in gastric tumoral tissue and serum samples, its impact on p16-protein expression, and correlation with clinical and histological features. METHODS: Samples were obtained from 52 histologically confirmed cases of gastric adenocarcinoma. Gastric tissue and serum of 50 age- and sex-matched individuals with normal gastroscopy and biopsy were obtained as control samples. Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) was used to evaluate methylation status of p16 promoter. p16-protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining on paraffin-embedded sections. RESULTS: Methylation was detected in 44.2% (23/52) of tumoral tissues. 60.9% of them were also methylated in serum, i.e., 26.9% of all patients (14/52). Methylation was not detected in tissue and sera of control samples. p16-protein expression was decreased in 61.5% of cases (32/52), and was significantly associated with promoter hypermethylation (P < 0.001). Methylation was significantly more frequent in higher pathological grades (P < 0.05). Methylation was not associated with other clinicopathological features and environmental factors including H pylori infection and smoking. CONCLUSION: p16 promoter hypermethylation is an important event in gastric carcinogenesis. It is the principle mechanism of p16 gene silencing. It is related to malignant tumor behavior. Detection of DNA methylation in serum may be a biomarker for early detection of gastric cancer.

Methylation profiling of twenty four genes and the concordant methylation behaviours of nineteen genes that may contribute to hepatocellular carcinogenesis

To determine the possible role of the epigenetic mechanisms in carcinogenesis of the hepatocellular carcinoma,we methylation-profiled the promoter CpG islands of twenty four genes both in HCC tumors and the neighboring non-cancerous tissues of twenty eight patients using the methylation-specific PCR (MSP) method in conjunction with the DNA sequencing. In comparison with the normal liver tissues from the healthy donors, it was found that while remained unmethylated the ABL, CAV, EPO, GATA3, LKB 1, NEP, NFL, NIS and p27KIP1 genes, varying extents of the HCC specific hypermethylation were found associated with the ABO, AR, CSPG2, cyclin al, DBCCRl,GALR2, IRF7, MGMT, MT1A, MYOD1, OCT6, p57KIP2, p73, WT1 genes, and demethylation with the MAGEA1 gene, respectively. Judged by whether the hypermethylated occurred in HCC more frequently than in their neighboring normal tissues, the hypermethylation status of the AR, DBCCR1, IRF7, OCT6, and p73 genes was considered as the event specific to the late stage, while that the rest that lacked such a distinguished contrast, as the event specific to the early stage of HCC carcinogenesis. Among all the clinical pathological parameters tested for the association with, the hypermethylation of the cyclin al gene was more prevalent in the non-cirrhosis group (P=0.021) while the hypermethylated p 16INK4a gene was more common in the cirrhosis group (P=0.017). The concordant methylation behaviors of nineteen genes, including the four previously studied and their association with cirrhosis has been evaluated by the best subgroup selection method. The data presented in this report would enable us to shape our understanding of the mechanisms for the HCC specific loss of the epigenetic stability of the genome, as well as the strategy of developing the novel robust methylation based diagnostic and prognostic tools.

The methylation status of the TMS1/ASC gene in cholangiocarcinoma and its clinical significance

BACKGROUND: TMS1/ASC is a bipartite protein comprising two protein-protein interactive domains: pyrin (PYD) and caspase recruitment domain (CARD). Proteins containing these domains play pivotal roles in regulating apoptosis and immune response pathways. The absence of TMS1/ ASC expression in some tumors is because methylation of the TMS1/ASC gene contributes to carcinogenesis and cancer development. We studied the methylation status of the TMS1/ASC gene and its clinical significance in cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS: Target DNA was modified by sodium bisulfite, coverting all unmethylated, but not methylated, cytosines to uracil, and subsequently by a nested amplification with primers specific for methylated versus unmethylated DNA. The PCR product was detected by gel electrophoresis and combined with the clinical records of patients. RESULTS: Aberrant methylation of the TMS1/ASC gene was detected in specimens of colorectal cancer tissues from 13 (36.1%) of 36 patients, and specimens of adjacent normal tissues from 3 patients (8.3%). No statistical differences were seen in the extent of differentiation and invasion, lymph node metastasis, and pathologic type between the methylated and unmethylated tissues (P】0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of TMS1/ASC gene methylation in cholangiocarcinoma is high, but it is not related to pathologic changes. The TMS1/ASC gene is probably suppressed by methylation, and is resistant to apoptosis and immunological surveillance. The gene epigenetically affected in methylated tissues could be associated with carcinogenesis of cholangiocarcinoma.

Prognostic Value of Promoter Hypermethylation of Retinoic Acid Receptor Beta (RARB) and CDKN2 (p16/MTS1) in Prostate Cancer

Objective: The molecular mechanism of prostate cancer is poorly understood. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence and prognostic value of promoter hypermethylation of retinoic acid receptor beta (RARB) and p16 among benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer patients. Methods: In this case-control study, 63 patients were included in three groups; 21 with BPH as the control group, 21 with prostate cancer and good prognostic factors (based on prostate-specific antigen, Gleason score and stage) as good prognosis group, and 21 with prostate cancer and poor prognostic features as poor prognosis group. The prostate biopsy specimen of each individual was examined for hypermethylation of RARB and p16 promoters by methylation specific PCR (MSPCR). Results: Seven (33.3%) patients with good prognosis and 15 (71.4%) patients with poor prognosis were positive for RARB methylation, which were significantly higher than controls (P <0.0001). p16 promoter methylation was shown in 19.0% and 47.6% patients with good and poor prognosis, respectively. The RARB and p16 promoter methylation in the poor prognosis group was significantly higher than that in the good prognosis group (P =0.02 for RARB and P<0.0001 for p16). Conclusion: Hypermethylation of RARB and p16 promoters may predict prognosis in prostate cancer.

Promoter Hypermethylation of DNA Repair Gene MGMT in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The relationship between hypermethylation of CpG islands in the promoter regions of O^6- methylguanine DNA methyhransferase （MGMT） genes and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma was explored. Methylation-specific PCR and semi-quantitative RT-PCR were used to study the promoter methylation and mRNA expression of the MGMT gene in laryngeal carcinoma tissues, tissues adjacent to the tumor and normal laryngeal tissues. Hypermethylation of MGMT gene was detected in 16 samples of 46 （34.8 %） laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma samples. However, the MGMT hypermethylation was not detected in all tissues adjacent to the tumors and normal tissues. No significant difference in MGMT gene hypermethylation was found in samples with different histological grades （χ^2= 3. 130, P=0. 077） or in samples from patients with different TNM status （χ^2= 3. 957, P=0. 138）. No expression of MGMT mRNA was detected in all hypermethylated laryngeal carcinoma tissues. The expression of MGMT mRNA was detected in all unmethylated laryngeal carcinoma tissues, tissues adjacent to the tumors and normal tissues. It suggests that MGMT gene promoter hypermethylation is associated with MGMT gene transcription loss in laryngeal carcinoma tissues and possibly plays an important role in carcinogenesis of laryngeal tissues.

急性白血病细胞中ID4基因甲基化的PCR定量检测系统的建立及其特异性和敏感性

ID4基因启动子区甲基化发生率在急性白血病中极高,甲基化程度与急性白血病关系密切。因缺少合适的研究方法,其具体的甲基化量化水平与疾病的关系,人们一直缺乏认识。本研究旨在建立ID4甲基化定量PCR体系,同时验证该方法的特异性及敏感性,并初步尝试在初治急性白血病骨髓样本中评估ID4的甲基化水平。首先构建质粒并建立体系标准曲线,分别使用MSP和定量MSP对细胞系样本进行检测,以传统MSP的结果为对照,验证新方法的特异性;按不同比例将甲基化阴性和阳性细胞混合,用甲基化定量PCR扩增验证新方法敏感性。结果表明,本研究成功建立了符合绝对定量要求的标准曲线;通过细胞系验证,MSP结果与定量MSP结果完全一致;同时在甲基化阴性细胞背景下,定量MSP可以稳定的检测到1∶10-5水平的ID4甲基化阳性细胞。在急性白血病骨髓样本检测中,定量MSP甲基化阳性检出率高于MSP。结论:本研究成功建立了完整的ID4基因甲基化定量PCR体系,该方法特异性好、敏感性高。

ID4基因甲基化定量PCR检测在急性白血病中的临床意义

尽管治疗的进步极大地改善了急性白血病患者的预后和生存,但时至今日多数类型的急性白血病没有特异性的生物标记,因此对于多数白血病患者,影响生存的复发这一重要因素缺少有效的预警机制。ID4基因启动子区甲基化广泛发生于各类型急性白血病。本研究在前期建立的甲基化定量PCR体系的基础上,用该方法检测患者骨髓样本,探讨ID4甲基化定量指标(percentage of methylated reference,PMR)的临床意义。采集我院门诊及住院确诊的初治、完全缓解、复发3个阶段的急性白血病患者骨髓样本及正常对照者骨髓样本。应用ID4甲基化定量PCR体系对样本进行检测。按初治、完全缓解、复发分组比较PMR值。比较相同病例不同疾病状态的PMR的动态变化。结果表明,初治组PMR最高,其次为复发组,而完全缓解组最低。初治组PMR与完全缓解组比较存在统计学差异。4例随访病例的PMR值波动与病情变化一致。在1例复发病例中,PMR升高早于骨髓细胞学检查确认复发1.7个月。结论:本研究通过ID4基因启动子区甲基定量检测的方法初步验证:甲基化水平的量化指标PMR值与急性白血病患者肿瘤细胞负荷关系密切。PMR动态监测波动与疾病变化一致,可能具有预测复发的作用,但ID4甲基化定量指标的临床价值还有待进一步研究证据的支持。

甲基化特异性PCR检测FMR1和XIST基因甲基化实验方法的建立

建立一种快速、灵敏的检测脆性X智障基因(fragile X mental retardation,FMR1)、X染色体失活基因(Xchromosome inactivation,XIST)甲基化的方法.用亚硫酸氢钠和对苯二酚对基因组DNA进行脱氨基修饰.以修饰后的DNA为模板,用两套不同的引物对:1对甲基化特异性引物和1对非甲基化特异性引物扩增FMR1基因(CGG)n重复序列区、FMR1和XIST基因的启动子区.PCR产物进一步克隆、测序.以亚硫酸氢钠和对苯二酚脱氨基修饰后的DNA为模板进行PCR扩增后的产物与预期基因目的基因片段大小相符合,无非特异性扩增产物.测序结果表明,FMR1、XIST基因中的非甲基化的C碱基转变为U碱基,而CpG岛被甲基化的C碱基不改变.成功地建立了检测FMR1、XIST甲基化的方法,为实验室诊断脆性X综合征提供了新的方法.

肺癌组织、支气管肺泡灌洗液及痰标本中p16基因甲基化特异性PCR检测

目的 :探讨肺癌组织、支气管灌洗液及痰标本中p16基因甲基化特异性PCR检测的临床应用价值。方法 :选取 5 6例肺部疾病住院患者手术切除的病变肺组织和相应的支气管肺泡灌洗液 (BALF)及痰标本 ,其中 32例为肺癌 ,2 4例为良性肺部疾病。标本经一般处理 ,PCR扩增后 ,产物经电泳EB染色 ,紫外灯下观察。结果 :32例肺癌组织标本中 ,14例 (4 3.8% )在p16基因启动子区域呈现异常甲基化 ,其中 9例 (6 4 .3% )在相应的BALF中检出甲基化存在 ,5例 (35 .8% )在相应的痰标本中也检出甲基化存在。 2 4例良性肺部疾病 ,其中肺囊肿 10例 ,肺结核 14例 ,无论在手术切除标本还是BALF和痰标本中均未检出p16基因甲基化存在。结论 :MSP技术对肺癌患者BALF及痰标本中P16基因的异常甲基化检测具有高度特异性 ,是一项很有潜力的肺癌早期诊断新技术。

5-氮杂脱氧胞苷对肝癌细胞HepG2中抑癌基因FHIT表达的影响

背景与目的:肝癌细胞中由于FHIT基因过度甲基化而导致其表达降低。本实验应用甲基化酶抑制剂5-氮杂脱氧胞苷(5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine,5-Aza-dC)作用肝癌细胞株HepG2,观察用药后肝癌细胞中FHIT mRNA和蛋白表达的变化,并观察5-Aza-dC对细胞增殖的影响。方法:以5-Aza-dC作用HepG2细胞,采用甲基化特异性聚合酶链反应(methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction,MSP)检测HepG2细胞中FHIT甲基化变化;采用RT-PCR检测FHIT mRNA的表达;采用细胞免疫组织化学染色和Western blot方法检测FHIT蛋白表达,MTT法检测HepG2细胞增殖情况。结果:5-Aza-dC处理前,HepG2细胞FHIT基因呈甲基化状态,mRNA及蛋白表达缺失;经5-Aza-dC作用后,MSP显示HepG2细胞FHIT基因甲基化逆转;经1.0μmol/L、2.0μmol/L及4.0μmol/L的5-Aza-dC作用48h后,FHIT基因mRNA扩增出产物的吸光度值分别为0.80±0.32、1.41±0.54和1.51±0.61,Western blot检测产物积分灰度值分别为0.33±0.20、1.00±0.26和1.12±0.38;当药物浓度达到1.0μmol/L时出现了对HepG2细胞增殖的抑制作用。结论:5-Aza-dC能明显逆转HepG2细胞的FHIT基因异常甲基化,激活因高甲基化所致基因沉默的再转录,诱导该基因的表达;同时抑制细胞增殖。

caveolin-1、Dnmt1基因与胃癌发生发展的关系及其临床意义

目的:研究正常胃黏膜及胃癌组织中caveolin-1、Dnmt1蛋白的表达,并探讨caveolin-1、Dnmt1基因与胃癌发生发展的关系及其临床意义.方法:采取甲基化特异性聚合酶链反应(methylation-specific PCR,MSP)检测不同分化程度的60例胃癌组织(其中包括新鲜组织50例、石蜡包埋组织10例)和14例正常胃组织中caveolin-1基因启动子区域甲基化状态;同时用SP免疫组织化学法、原位杂交法检测caveolin-1蛋白、Dnmt1蛋白及mRNA的表达.结果:14例正常胃组织中,未检测到caveolin-1基因甲基化;在60例胃癌组织中,检测到44例胃癌组织中存在甲基化,甲基化发生率为73.33%,两组间差异具有统计学意义(P<0.005).caveolin-1基因甲基化的发生与患者年龄有关.60例胃癌标本中,caveolin-1蛋白阳性表达率仅为30%(18/60),Dnmt1蛋白阳性表达率为63.3%(38/60),Dnmt1基因mRNA阳性表达率为53.3%(32/60).结论:在胃癌组织中,caveolin-1基因可能在Dnmt1基因的作用下发生甲基化,丧失其活性,进而导致胃癌的发生、发展.