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Updated: May 8, 2026
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Published on: January 5, 2017
Alterations of DNA methylome in human bladder cancer
Ahmad Besaratinia1, Myles Cockburn1, Stella Tommasi1
1Department of Preventive Medicine; Keck School of Medicine of USC; University of Southern California; Los Angeles, CA USA.
Abstract:
Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men in the United States, and its recurrence rate is highest among all malignancies. The unmet need for improved strategies for early detection, treatment, and monitoring of the progression of this disease continues to translate into high mortality and morbidity. The quest for advanced diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic approaches for bladder cancer is a high priority, which can be achieved by understanding the molecular mechanisms of the initiation and progression of this malignancy. Aberrant DNA methylation in single or multiple cancer-related genes/loci has been found in human bladder tumors and cancer cell lines, and urine sediments, and correlated with many clinicopathological features of this disease, including tumor relapse, muscle-invasiveness, and survival. The present review summarizes the published research on aberrant DNA methylation in connection with human bladder cancer. Representative studies are highlighted to set forth the current state of knowledge, gaps in the knowledgebase, and future directions in this prime epigenetic field of research. Identifying the potentially reversible and 'drugable' aberrant DNA methylation events that initiate and promote bladder cancer development can highlight biological markers for early diagnosis, effective therapy and accurate prognosis of this malignancy.
Insights
Aberrant DNA methylation is linked to bladder cancer development and progression. Understanding these epigenetic changes can lead to better early detection, treatment, and prognosis for bladder cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Bladder cancer has a high recurrence rate and significant mortality/morbidity.
- There is a critical need for improved early detection, treatment, and monitoring strategies.
- Understanding molecular mechanisms is key to advancing bladder cancer care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on aberrant DNA methylation in bladder cancer.
- To highlight knowledge gaps and future research directions in this epigenetic field.
- To explore the potential of DNA methylation as biomarkers for diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of published studies on aberrant DNA methylation in bladder cancer.
- Analysis of correlations between DNA methylation patterns and clinicopathological features.
- Identification of key genes and loci affected by aberrant DNA methylation.
Main Results:
- Aberrant DNA methylation is frequently observed in bladder tumors, cell lines, and urine sediments.
- These epigenetic alterations correlate with tumor relapse, muscle-invasiveness, and patient survival.
- Specific DNA methylation events are implicated in the initiation and progression of bladder cancer.
Conclusions:
- Aberrant DNA methylation is a significant factor in bladder cancer.
- Targeting reversible DNA methylation events offers potential for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
- Further research into DNA methylation can improve bladder cancer management and patient outcomes.
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