Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
07:50
Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer
Published on: September 18, 2020
Changes in UNC5C gene methylation during human gastric carcinogenesis.
Kenji Hibi1, Makiko Sakata, Kazuma Sakuraba
1Department of Surgery, Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital, Aoba-ku, Yokohama 227-8501, Japan. kenjih-ngy@umin.ac.jp
Anticancer Research
|December 25, 2009
Summary
Aberrant methylation of the UNC5C gene was observed in gastric cancer, particularly in earlier stages. This UNC5C gene methylation, a netrin-1 receptor, was found to be less prevalent in advanced gastric carcinomas.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- UNC5C is a netrin-1 receptor and a member of the functional dependence receptor family.
- Functional dependence receptors induce apoptosis when their ligands are absent.
- Aberrant UNC5C gene methylation is implicated in colon carcinogenesis (69% of cases).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate UNC5C gene methylation status in gastric cancer.
- To correlate UNC5C methylation with clinicopathological features of gastric cancer.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used.
- UNC5C methylation status was analyzed in 36 primary gastric carcinomas and adjacent normal tissues.
- Clinicopathological findings were correlated with methylation status.
Main Results:
- Aberrant UNC5C gene methylation was detected in 25% (9 out of 36) of primary gastric carcinomas.
- A significant correlation was found between UNC5C methylation and TNM stage (p=0.0455).
Conclusions:
- UNC5C methylation occurs during gastric carcinogenesis.
- UNC5C methylation appears to be lost in advanced stages of gastric cancer.
Related Concept Videos
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
X-chromosome...
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
01:26Gastritis II: Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of gastritis begins with the colonization of the stomach lining by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This bacterium spreads mainly via the oral-oral route through saliva or shared utensils, and can also be transmitted in overcrowded or unhygienic environments through contaminated water, despite its brief survival outside the body.ColonizationOnce ingested, H. pylori enters the stomach and begins colonization by navigating through the mucus layer lining the stomach wall. It...
01:25Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity
Mutagenicity and carcinogenicity refer to the ability of drugs to cause genetic defects and induce cancer, respectively. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies agents into four groups based on their carcinogenic potential. Group 1 agents are known human carcinogens; group 2A agents are probably carcinogenic to humans; group 3 agents lack data to support their role in carcinogenesis; and group 4 includes agents for which data support that they are not likely to be...
02:30Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance
Diploid organisms inherit genetic material through chromosomes from both parents. Copies of the same gene are known as alleles. In most cases, both alleles are simultaneously expressed and allow various cellular processes to function optimally. If one of the alleles is missing or mutated, the expression of the other allele can compensate; however, this is not true for all genes.
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
01:12Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions
Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...