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Updated: Oct 16, 2025
Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer
Published on: September 18, 2020
DNA methylation in lung cancer patients: Opening a "window of life" under precision medicine
Runzhang Liang1, Xiaosong Li2, Weiquan Li3
1School of Laboratory Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, China.
Abstract:
DNA methylation is a work of adding a methyl group to the 5th carbon atom of cytosine in DNA sequence under the catalysis of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) to produce 5-methyl cytosine. Some current studies have elucidated the mechanism of lung cancer occurrence and causes of lung cancer progression and metastasis from the perspective of DNA methylation. Moreover, many studies have shown that smoking can change the methylation status of some gene loci, leading to the occurrence of lung cancer, especially central lung cancer. This review mainly introduces the role of DNA methylation in the pathogenesis, early diagnosis and screening, progression and metastasis, treatment, and prognosis of lung cancer, as well as the latest progress. We point out that methylation markers, sample tests, and methylation detection limit the clinical application of DNA methylation. If the liquid biopsy is to become the main force in lung cancer diagnosis, it must make efficient use of limited samples and improve the sensitivity and specificity of the tests. In addition, we also put forward our views on the future development direction of DNA methylation.
Insights
DNA methylation plays a key role in lung cancer development and progression. Advances in DNA methylation detection, particularly through liquid biopsies, are crucial for improving early diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- DNA methylation, the addition of a methyl group to cytosine, is catalyzed by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs).
- Altered DNA methylation patterns are implicated in the pathogenesis, progression, and metastasis of lung cancer.
- Smoking is a known environmental factor that can induce changes in DNA methylation, contributing to lung cancer risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted role of DNA methylation in lung cancer.
- To highlight recent advancements in understanding DNA methylation's impact on lung cancer.
- To discuss challenges and future directions for clinical applications of DNA methylation in lung cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on DNA methylation and lung cancer.
- Analysis of the mechanisms linking DNA methylation to lung cancer pathogenesis and progression.
- Evaluation of current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies involving DNA methylation.
Main Results:
- DNA methylation is integral to lung cancer occurrence, progression, and metastasis.
- Smoking-induced methylation changes are associated with lung cancer, particularly central types.
- Current limitations in methylation markers, sample testing, and detection sensitivity hinder clinical utility.
Conclusions:
- DNA methylation is a critical factor in lung cancer biology.
- Improving methylation detection sensitivity and specificity, especially in liquid biopsies, is essential for clinical translation.
- Future research should focus on overcoming current limitations for effective lung cancer management.
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