Precise mapping of DNA methylation patterns in CpG islands has become essential for
understanding diverse biological processes such as the regulation of imprinted genes, X
chromosome inactivation, and tumor suppressor gene silencing in human cancer. We …

This article reviews the mechanisms of gene silencing in cancer and clinical applications of
this phenomenon. The silencing of genes, especially tumor-suppressor genes, is a key
event in the development of cancer. The silencing can be effected by a disabling mutation or …

We are in an era where the potential exists for deriving comprehensive profiles of DNA
alterations characterizing each form of human cancer. Such profiles would provide
invaluable insight into mechanisms underlying the evolution of each tumor type and will …

Aberrant methylation of promoter region CpG islands is associated with transcriptional
inactivation of tumor-suppressor genes in neoplasia. To understand global patterns of CpG
island methylation in colorectal cancer, we have used a recently developed technique called …

Neoplastic cells simultaneously harbor widespread genomic hypomethylation, more
regional areas of hypermethylation, and increased DNA-methyltransferase (DNA-MTase)
activity. Each component of this “methylation imbalance” may Fundamentally contribute to …

Loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 9p21 is one of the most frequent genetic alterations
identified in human cancer. The rate of point mutations of p16, a candidate suppressor gene
of this area, is low in most primary tumours with allelic loss of 9p21. Monosomic cell lines …

Densely methylated DNA associates with transcriptionally repressive chromatin
characterized by the presence of underacetylated histones 1, 2. Recently, these two
epigenetic processes have been dynamically linked. The methyl-CpG-binding protein …

Inactivation of the genes involved in DNA mismatch repair is associated with microsatellite
instability (MSI) in colorectal cancer. We report that hypermethylation of the 5′ CpG island
of hMLH1 is found in the majority of sporadic primary colorectal cancers with MSI, and that …

Background The DNA-repair enzyme O 6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT)
inhibits the killing of tumor cells by alkylating agents. MGMT activity is controlled by a
promoter; methylation of the promoter silences the gene in cancer, and the cells no longer …

Recently, the concept that epigenetic, as well as genetic, events might be central to the
evolution of human cancer is re-emerging. Cancers often exhibit an aberrant methylation of
gene promoter regions that is associated with loss of gene function. This DNA change …