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Updated: Apr 18, 2026
Comprehensive DNA Methylation Analysis Using a Methyl-CpG-binding Domain Capture-based Method in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients
Published on: June 16, 2017
Assessment of MLL methyltransferase gene expression in larynx carcinoma
David Livingstone Alves Figueiredo1, Doralina do Amaral Rabello1, Dalila Luciola Zanette2
1Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, DF 70.910-900, Brazil.
Abstract:
Larynx cancer is the second most common type of cancer among all head and neck cancers. Deregulation of epigenetic effectors, including altered expression of histone methyltransferases from the MLL (mixed lineage leukemia) family, have been reported in many cancer types, yet little is known concerning their involvement in larynx cancer. Our objective was to determine the expression profile of MLL genes in larynx carcinoma and normal adjacent tissues and correlate this profile to tumor characteristics. We analyzed the expression profile of 5 MLL genes in 13 cases of larynx carcinoma and their adjacent non-tumor tissues using quantitative real-time PCR. MLL3 was significantly downregulated in tumor samples compared to their normal counterparts, and all MLL genes showed decreased expression in advanced tumors compared to tumors in the initial stage. Altered expression in a single MLL gene was associated with a similar alteration in the other MLL genes, revealing a strong correlation of expression in each individual patient. In conclusion, MLL genes may have similar transcriptional control, and decreased expression of these genes may contribute to larynx cancer progression.
Insights
Mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) genes are downregulated in larynx cancer. Decreased MLL gene expression correlates with advanced tumor stage, suggesting a role in larynx cancer progression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Larynx cancer is a significant subset of head and neck malignancies.
- Epigenetic deregulation, particularly involving histone methyltransferases like the MLL family, is implicated in various cancers.
- The specific role of MLL genes in larynx cancer remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of MLL genes in larynx carcinoma.
- To correlate MLL gene expression profiles with clinicopathological features of laryngeal tumors.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time PCR was employed to analyze the expression of five MLL genes.
- Expression levels were compared between 13 larynx carcinoma samples and adjacent non-tumor tissues.
- Correlation analysis was performed between MLL gene expression and tumor stage.
Main Results:
- MLL3 demonstrated significant downregulation in tumor tissues compared to normal counterparts.
- A general decrease in MLL gene expression was observed in advanced-stage tumors versus early-stage tumors.
- Coordinated alterations in MLL gene expression were noted within individual patients, indicating strong inter-gene correlation.
Conclusions:
- The MLL gene family may be subject to similar transcriptional regulation.
- Reduced expression of MLL genes is potentially linked to the progression of larynx cancer.
- MLL genes represent potential epigenetic targets for understanding and treating laryngeal malignancies.
