Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026
Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer
Published on: September 18, 2020
Recent progress in the study of methylated tumor suppressor genes in gastric cancer
1Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China. hxt_hang zhou@sina.com
Abstract:
Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies and a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The pathogenesis mechanisms of gastric cancer are still not fully clear. Inactivation of tumor suppressor genes and activation of oncogenes caused by genetic and epigenetic alterations are known to play significant roles in carcinogenesis. Accumulating evidence has shown that epigenetic silencing of the tumor suppressor genes, particularly caused by hypermethylation of CpG islands in promoters, is critical to carcinogenesis and metastasis. Here, we review the recent progress in the study of methylations of tumor suppressor genes involved in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. We also briefly describe the mechanisms that induce tumor suppressor gene methylation and the status of translating these molecular mechanisms into clinical applications.
Insights
Gastric cancer, a leading cause of cancer mortality, involves epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes through promoter hypermethylation. This review explores methylation
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Gastric cancer is a prevalent malignancy with high mortality globally.
- Carcinogenesis involves genetic and epigenetic alterations, including oncogene activation and tumor suppressor gene inactivation.
- Epigenetic silencing via promoter CpG island hypermethylation is crucial in gastric cancer development and metastasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding tumor suppressor gene methylation in gastric cancer pathogenesis.
- To elucidate mechanisms driving tumor suppressor gene methylation.
- To assess the clinical applicability of these molecular findings.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on gastric cancer epigenetics.
- Analysis of mechanisms underlying tumor suppressor gene methylation.
- Evaluation of translational research for clinical applications.
Main Results:
- Hypermethylation of tumor suppressor gene promoters is a key epigenetic event in gastric cancer.
- Various mechanisms contribute to the induction of aberrant gene methylation.
- Translational research is exploring the clinical utility of methylation markers.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic alterations, particularly gene promoter hypermethylation, are integral to gastric cancer.
- Understanding methylation mechanisms offers potential for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
- Further research is needed to fully translate these findings into clinical practice.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions
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...
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
02:07Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...