Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2026

08:40
Methyl-binding DNA capture Sequencing for Patient Tissues
Published on: October 31, 2016
Methylation-based analysis of circulating DNA for breast tumor screening
Elena Y Rykova1, Galina A Tsvetovskaya, Galina I Sergeeva
1Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia. rykova@niboch.nsc.ru
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|October 8, 2008
Summary
Aberrant methylation of cyclin D2 and RARbeta2 genes in circulating DNA (cirDNA) may indicate breast lesions. This study evaluated these markers for breast tumor screening, finding higher methylation in patients with fibroadenoma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Early detection of breast tumors is crucial for effective treatment.
- Biomarkers for non-invasive breast cancer screening are highly sought after.
- Gene methylation patterns are increasingly recognized as potential diagnostic indicators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic potential of methylated cyclin D2 and RARbeta2 genes in circulating DNA (cirDNA) for breast tumor screening.
- To assess the prevalence of these methylation markers in clinically healthy women versus those with breast lesions.
- To determine the feasibility of developing a breast tumor screening assay based on cirDNA methylation.
Main Methods:
- A blind study involving 76 volunteers, including healthy women and those with breast lesions.
- Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) was used to analyze DNA methylation.
- Analysis focused on circulating DNA (cirDNA), encompassing cell-free and cell-surface-bound fractions.
- Cyclin D2 and RARbeta2 genes were specifically targeted for methylation analysis.
Main Results:
- Only 4% of clinically healthy women showed cyclin D2 gene methylation.
- Aberrant methylation of at least one gene was detected in 42% of patients with breast fibroadenoma.
- A lower methylation rate (33%) was observed in patients with other breast lesions (mastopathy).
Conclusions:
- Methylated cyclin D2 and RARbeta2 markers in cirDNA show promise for breast tumor screening.
- The higher prevalence of methylation in fibroadenoma patients suggests potential diagnostic utility.
- Further long-term, quantitative studies are needed to confirm the applicability of these markers for predictive breast cancer diagnostics.

