ITGA4 gene methylation status in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

We aimed to investigate ITGA4 gene expression pattern and to explore its methylation heterogeneity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Eighty one CLL patients and 75 healthy subjects were enrolled and prognostic evaluation of patients was assessed. ITGA4 q-realtime PCR was performed using Applied Biosystems, TaqMan gene expression assay. ITGA4 gene-specific CpG methylation was investigated in real time using pyrosequencing technology.

ITGA4 was differentially expressed in CLL patients. The CpG sites-1, 2 and 3 showed significantly higher mean levels than healthy controls (p = <0.001, 0.007 and 0.009). Significant association between CpG site-1 and CLL has been detected using age-adjusted logistic regression (p < 0.001).

Hypermethylation at ITGA4 gene CpG sites (1,2,3) is a characteristic feature in CLL.