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Updated: May 9, 2026
06:07
Continuous Fluorescence-Based Endonuclease-Coupled DNA Methylation Assay to Screen for DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitors
Published on: August 5, 2022
DNA methylation down-regulates EGFR expression in chickens
Juan Luo1, Shuang Chang, Huanmin Zhang
1Department of Animal & Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
Avian Diseases
|August 2, 2013
Summary
Marek's disease virus (MDV) infection significantly down-regulates epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression in tumors. This repression is linked to increased methylation of the EGFR promoter, suggesting a novel mechanism in viral oncogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a key target in cancer therapy due to its up-regulation in numerous tumors.
- Oncoviruses are known to activate EGFR in tumors, but the effect of Marek's disease virus (MDV) on EGFR remains unstudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Marek's disease virus (MDV) infection on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanism of EGFR regulation by MDV, focusing on promoter methylation.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR was used to measure EGFR gene expression levels.
- Analysis of EGFR promoter methylation status at different time points post-MDV infection.
Main Results:
- MDV infection led to a significant down-regulation of EGFR expression.
- A significant increase in EGFR promoter methylation was observed 21 days post-infection.
Conclusions:
- Marek's disease virus (MDV) actively represses EGFR expression.
- Promoter hypermethylation is a potential mechanism by which MDV down-regulates EGFR, offering insights into viral-induced tumorigenesis.
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