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Aberrant methylation inactivates somatostatin and somatostatin receptor type 1 in head and neck squamous cell

Kiyoshi Misawa1, Yuki Misawa1, Haruki Kondo1

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan.

Plos One
|March 4, 2015
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

CpG hypermethylation of somatostatin (SST) and somatostatin receptor type 1 (SSTR1) genes inactivates their function in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This hypermethylation serves as a potential biomarker for HNSCC diagnosis and prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a prevalent cancer with complex molecular underpinnings.
  • Understanding epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation is crucial for identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in HNSCC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the methylation profiles of somatostatin (SST) and somatostatin receptor type 1 (SSTR1) in HNSCC.
  • To assess the prognostic significance and diagnostic value of SST and SSTR1 methylation in HNSCC.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative RT-PCR was used to measure gene expression.
  • Quantitative methylation-specific PCR (Q-MSP) determined promoter methylation status in HNSCC tumor samples and adjacent normal tissues.

Main Results:

  • SST methylation (81% of tumors) and SSTR1 hypermethylation (64% of tumors) were frequently observed and associated with tumor stage and size.
  • Both SST and SSTR1 promoter hypermethylation clearly distinguished HNSCC from normal tissues.
  • Concurrent hypermethylation of SST and SSTR1 promoters correlated with reduced disease-free survival and increased risk of recurrence in HNSCC patients.

Conclusions:

  • CpG hypermethylation is a key mechanism for SST and SSTR1 gene inactivation in HNSCC.
  • These methylation events suggest a role for SST and SSTR1 in HNSCC tumorigenesis.
  • SST and SSTR1 promoter hypermethylation represent promising biomarkers for HNSCC.

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