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Updated: May 16, 2026
08:40
Methyl-binding DNA capture Sequencing for Patient Tissues
Published on: October 31, 2016
MENT: methylation and expression database of normal and tumor tissues
Su-Jin Baek1, Sungjin Yang, Tae-Wook Kang
1Medical Genomics Research Center, KRIBB, Gwahangno, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-806, Republic of Korea.
Gene
|December 11, 2012
Summary
Researchers can now explore epigenetic patterns in cancer using MENT, a novel database integrating DNA methylation and gene expression data from normal and tumor tissues. This resource aids in understanding carcinogenesis by providing comprehensive, searchable data.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Cancer Biology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Epigenetic alterations, particularly DNA methylation, play a crucial role in cancer development.
- Understanding the interplay between DNA methylation and gene expression is vital for elucidating carcinogenesis.
- Existing resources often lack integrated analysis of both DNA methylation and gene expression across diverse cancer types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and present MENT (Methylation and Expression database of Normal and Tumor tissues), a comprehensive integrated database.
- To provide researchers with a user-friendly platform for accessing and analyzing DNA methylation and gene expression data in various cancers.
- To facilitate the discovery of novel epigenetic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in oncology.
Main Methods:
- Integrated data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).
- Combined DNA methylation and gene expression profiles from normal and tumor tissues.
- Developed a database with a user-friendly interface for 'gene search' and 'dataset search' functionalities.
- Incorporated filtering options for differential methylation analysis (direction, DM value, p-value).
Main Results:
- MENT is the first database offering integrated DNA methylation and gene expression data for diverse normal and tumor tissues.
- The database provides correlated DNA methylation and gene expression data in paired samples.
- User-friendly search functions allow efficient retrieval of differential methylation patterns based on genes or datasets.
- Clinicopathological information is integrated to contextualize epigenetic findings.
Conclusions:
- MENT serves as a valuable, freely accessible resource for cancer epigenetics research.
- The integrated approach in MENT enhances the understanding of epigenetic mechanisms in carcinogenesis.
- Facilitates easier identification of differentially methylated genes and their expression patterns in various cancer conditions.
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