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Updated: Oct 22, 2025
Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer
Published on: September 18, 2020
SPARCL1 exhibits different expressions in left- and right-sided colon cancer and is downregulated via DNA methylation
Hanguang Hu1,2, Dehao Wu1, Xibo Liu3
1Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention & Intervention, China National Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences; the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China.
Abstract:
Aim: The authors previously found that SPARCL1 functions to suppress colorectal cancer metastasis. Here, the epigenetic mechanism of SPARCL1 regulation and its relationship with clinicopathological features in colon cancer were investigated. Materials & methods: SPARCL1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry staining in a tissue array containing 271 left-sided colon cancer samples and 257 right-sided colon cancer samples. In vivo and in vitro DNA methylation states were measured by biochemical sulfide potential assay. The transcription and DNA methylation states in cells were altered by siRNA or decitabine treatment, respectively. Cellular motility properties were compared through transwell assay. Results & conclusion: SPARCL1, mediated by its DNA methylation, may arrest colorectal carcinoma motility. Furthermore, SPARCL1 expression is higher and may have a specific prognostic value in left-sided colon cancer.
Insights
SPARCL1 gene methylation suppresses colorectal cancer metastasis. Higher SPARCL1 expression in left-sided colon cancer suggests prognostic value.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- SPARCL1 (SPARCL1) was previously identified as a suppressor of colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis.
- Understanding the epigenetic regulation of SPARCL1 is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epigenetic mechanism regulating SPARCL1 expression in colon cancer.
- To explore the relationship between SPARCL1 expression, DNA methylation, and clinicopathological features, particularly in left-sided colon cancer.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry used to assess SPARCL1 expression in 528 colon cancer tissue samples (271 left-sided, 257 right-sided).
- In vivo and in vitro DNA methylation states analyzed using biochemical sulfide potential assay.
- Cellular models manipulated with siRNA or decitabine to alter SPARCL1 transcription and DNA methylation.
- Transwell assays employed to compare cellular motility properties.
Main Results:
- SPARCL1 expression is epigenetically regulated by DNA methylation.
- DNA methylation-mediated SPARCL1 activity appears to inhibit colorectal carcinoma cell motility.
- SPARCL1 expression is significantly higher in left-sided colon cancer compared to right-sided.
- Elevated SPARCL1 expression in left-sided colon cancer may hold prognostic significance.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic silencing of SPARCL1 via DNA methylation contributes to colorectal cancer metastasis.
- SPARCL1 represents a potential therapeutic target for inhibiting colon cancer cell motility.
- The distinct expression pattern and prognostic value of SPARCL1 in left-sided colon cancer warrant further investigation.
