Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Tropomodulin 3 Overexpression as a Marker for Platinum Resistance and Immune Infiltration in Ovarian Cancer
Published on: August 2, 2024
[Expression of DNA methyltransferase 1, 3A and 3B mRNA in the epithelial ovarian carcinoma]
Chun-ling Chen1, Xin Yan, Yu-nong Gao
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China.
Objective:
To explore the role of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) 1, 3A, 3B in the development of epithelial ovarian carcinoma.
Methods:
Semi-quantitative RT-PCR method was used to detect the mRNA levels of DNMT 1, 3A and 3B in the tissues of epithelial ovarian carcinoma from 55 cancer patients (40 primary and 15 recurrent cancer) and 20 normal ovary tissues, and the relevant clinical pathological parameters were analyzed.
Results:
DNMT1 mRNA levels were 1.15, 3.11, 2.85, respectively in normal ovary, primary and recurrent ovarian epithelial cancer tissues, with significant difference between them (P < 0.05). DNMT3A mRNA levels had no obvious changes in the different groups, being 1.32, 0.71, 1.24, respectively (P > 0.05). DNMT3B mRNA levels were 0.25, 0.60, 2.12, in normal ovary, primary and recurrent ovarian epithelial cancer tissues, respectively and there was a significant increase in recurrent cancer tissues compared with normal and primary ovary cancer tissues (P < 0.01). In the primary ovarian cancer tissues, DNMT1 mRNA levels were over expressed in the tissues of low-moderate differentiated (4.92, 1.38), stage III-IV (6.02, 2.13) and lymphatic metastasis (8.25, 2.40; P < 0.05). DNMT 1, 3A, 3B mRNA were over expressed in primary carcinoma, serous carcinoma and clear cell carcinoma of the ovary (5.64, 1.00, 0.78), in comparison with the other pathologic types (1.76, 0.44, 0.23), the differences were significant (P < 0.05). Using COX regression analysis, and after analyzing the parameters effecting survival in epithelial ovarian cancer tissues, including DNMT1, 3A, 3B mRNA level and pathologic type, differentiation, surgical staging, lymphatic metastasis as well as residue tumor post cytoreductive surgery, we found that the mRNA level of DNMT3B was the only factor affecting survival of ovarian cancer patients.
Conclusion:
DNMT1, 3B mRNA were overexpressed in primary and recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma, and they have some correlation with clinical pathology and prognosis of epithelial ovarian carcinoma.
Insights
DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) 1 and 3B mRNA are overexpressed in epithelial ovarian carcinoma, correlating with disease progression. DNMT3B mRNA levels significantly impact patient survival, highlighting its role in ovarian cancer prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Oncology
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) is a significant cause of cancer-related mortality.
- Aberrant DNA methylation is implicated in EOC development and progression.
- Understanding the role of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) is crucial for identifying therapeutic targets.
Purpose:
- To investigate the expression levels of DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B mRNA in EOC tissues.
- To correlate DNMT expression with clinical pathological parameters and patient survival.
Summary:
- DNMT1 and DNMT3B mRNA were significantly overexpressed in EOC tissues compared to normal ovarian tissues.
- DNMT1 overexpression correlated with advanced stage, poor differentiation, and lymphatic metastasis in primary EOC.
- DNMT3B mRNA levels were significantly higher in recurrent EOC and were identified as the sole independent factor affecting patient survival.
Impact:
- This study identifies DNMT1 and DNMT3B as potential biomarkers for EOC progression.
- DNMT3B emerges as a critical prognostic factor in EOC, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.
- Findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms driving EOC.
Related Concept Videos
Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic Regulation
X-chromosome...
Abnormal Proliferation
MicroRNAs
