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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
07:50
Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer
Published on: September 18, 2020
Aberrant DNA methylation in ulcerative colitis without neoplasia
Fang-Yu Wang1, Tomiyasu Arisawa, Tomomitsu Tahara
1Department of Gastroenterology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan. wangf65@yahoo.com
Hepato-Gastroenterology
|May 30, 2008
Summary
DNA methylation in the estrogen receptor gene (ER) is more common in rectal inflammation of ulcerative colitis patients. This ER promoter methylation may help predict neoplasia risk in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- DNA methylation is linked to colitis-associated cancer development.
- Investigated promoter methylation of key genes in ulcerative colitis without neoplasia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect promoter methylation of estrogen receptor gene (ER), TP53, p14, p16, p21, and hMLH1 in ulcerative colitis.
- To assess the potential of ER methylation as a predictor for neoplasia risk.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed 49 specimens from 36 ulcerative colitis patients via colonoscopic biopsies.
- Employed methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction to detect gene promoter methylation.
Main Results:
- ER promoter methylation was significantly higher in rectal mucosa (76.3%) versus ileum (46.2%).
- ER methylation correlated with relapse-remitting disease and longer disease duration (>7 years).
- p14 and p16 methylation were higher in rectal mucosa, but not statistically significant; TP53, p21, and hMLH1 showed minimal to no methylation.
Conclusions:
- Promoter methylation of ER, p14, and p16 is present in non-neoplastic rectal inflammatory mucosa of ulcerative colitis patients.
- Estrogen receptor gene methylation in rectal mucosa may serve as a useful biomarker for identifying patients at high risk of developing neoplasia.
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