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Updated: Oct 28, 2025

Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer
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Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer

Published on: September 18, 2020

5.8K

CHK Methylation Is Elevated in Colon Cancer Cells and Contributes to the Oncogenic Properties

Shudong Zhu1,2,3, Yan Zhu1,3, Qiuwen Wang2

  • 1School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China.

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|July 16, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Decreased Csk-homologous kinase (CHK) in colon cancer is due to DNA methylation, which activates the oncogene Src. Inhibiting DNA methylation with 5-Aza-CdR reduced cancer cell growth and invasion.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Src is a key oncogene in cell signaling.
  • Csk-homologous kinase (CHK) normally suppresses Src activity.
  • Reduced CHK levels correlate with Src activation in colon cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanism of CHK downregulation in colon cancer.
  • To explore the role of DNA methylation in CHK gene silencing.
  • To assess the impact of CHK downregulation on colon cancer progression.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative analysis of CHK mRNA and protein levels in colon cancer vs. normal cells/tissues.
  • DNA methylation analysis of the CHK gene promoter.
  • Assessment of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) expression.
  • Treatment with DNMT inhibitor (5-Aza-CdR) and evaluation of its effects on CHK expression and cancer cell behaviors.

Main Results:

  • CHK mRNA and protein are significantly decreased in colon cancer cells and tissues.
  • Increased DNA methylation at the CHK gene promoter correlates with decreased CHK expression.
  • Elevated DNMT levels are observed in colon cancer.
  • DNMT inhibition by 5-Aza-CdR restored CHK expression and reduced cell proliferation, colony formation, wound healing, and invasion.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic silencing via DNA methylation, potentially driven by increased DNMTs, downregulates CHK in colon cancer.
  • This CHK downregulation promotes oncogenic properties, including proliferation and invasion.
  • Targeting DNA methylation may offer a therapeutic strategy for colon cancer.
Keywords:
CHKDNA methylationFHCcolon cancerdrug resistance

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