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Frequent epigenetic inactivation of RASSF10 in thyroid cancer

Undraga Schagdarsurengin1, Antje M Richter, Christina Wöhler

  • 1Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.

Epigenetics
|November 26, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Ras association domain family 10 (RASSF10) acts as a tumor suppressor. Frequent epigenetic silencing of RASSF10 was observed in thyroid cancer, suggesting its role in thyroid carcinogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • The Ras association domain family (RASSF) comprises tumor suppressor genes, with several members frequently silenced in human cancers.
  • Epigenetic alterations, particularly DNA methylation, play a crucial role in cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of a novel RASSF member, RASSF10, in thyroid carcinogenesis.
  • To determine the frequency and significance of RASSF10 epigenetic inactivation in thyroid tumors.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of RASSF10 CpG island promoter methylation in thyroid cancer cell lines and primary tumors.
  • Comparison of RASSF10 methylation levels between cancerous and non-cancerous thyroid tissues.
  • Correlation of RASSF10 methylation with gene expression and lymph node status.
  • Assessment of RASSF10 transcriptional reactivation upon DNA methylation inhibitor treatment.

Main Results:

  • Intensive methylation of the RASSF10 promoter was found in nine thyroid cancer cell lines and 66% of primary thyroid carcinomas.
  • RASSF10 methylation was significantly increased in primary thyroid carcinomas compared to normal thyroid and follicular adenoma (p < 0.004).
  • Hypermethylation of RASSF10 was significantly associated with cancerous lymph nodes (79% vs. 36%, p = 0.047).
  • RASSF10 promoter hypermethylation correlated with reduced gene expression, and DNA methylation inhibitor treatment reactivated RASSF10 transcription.

Conclusions:

  • Frequent epigenetic inactivation of RASSF10 occurs in thyroid cancer.
  • RASSF10 functions as a potential tumor suppressor gene epigenetically silenced during thyroid carcinogenesis.
  • RASSF10 represents a novel candidate tumor suppressor gene in thyroid cancer development.

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