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Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer
Published on: September 18, 2020
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DNA methylation profiles in primary cutaneous melanomas are associated with clinically significant pathologic
Nancy E Thomas1, Nathaniel A Slater, Sharon N Edmiston
1Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research
|July 3, 2014
Summary
DNA methylation patterns in primary melanomas correlate with tumor thickness and BRAF mutations. These findings identify distinct methylation subsets linked to melanoma progression and clinical features.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- DNA methylation plays a role in melanoma development, distinguishing it from benign nevi.
- The relationship between DNA methylation profiles and key pathological features of primary melanomas remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate DNA methylation profiles in primary cutaneous melanomas.
- To determine associations between methylation patterns and clinical/pathological features like Breslow thickness, BRAF mutation status, mitotic rate, and ulceration.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Illumina GoldenGate Cancer Panel array for methylation profiling.
- Analyzed methylation patterns in 47 primary cutaneous melanoma samples.
- Employed hierarchical clustering on CpG sites with variable methylation.
Main Results:
- Array-wide methylation showed a positive association with Breslow thickness and BRAF mutations.
- A negative association was observed between methylation and mitotic rate, with a weak link to ulceration.
- Hierarchical clustering identified three distinct melanoma clusters, with methylation levels correlating with Breslow thickness and mitotic rate.
Conclusions:
- DNA methylation patterns are associated with significant pathological features in primary melanomas.
- Findings support the existence of methylation-defined melanoma subsets.
- Increased methylation correlates with increased Breslow thickness, suggesting a role in melanoma progression.
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