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Updated: May 28, 2026

Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer
Published on: September 18, 2020
P16 DNA Methylation Coupled with Somatic Copy Number Variations in the Development of Gastric Carcinomas
Ziqian Yang1, Jing Zhou1, Lewen Deng1
1Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (MOE/Beijing), Division of Etiology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, China.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: Tumor suppressor genes are often inactivated by genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. However, whether genetic alterations of these genes, including CDKN2A/P16, are coupled with epigenetic changes in cancer development and progression is unknown. Methods: Freshly frozen gastric carcinoma (GC) samples, paired noncancer surgical margin (SM) samples, white blood cell (WBC) samples, and clinicopathological information were collected from 200 patients. The copy number (CN) of the CDKN2A/P16 gene in these samples was determined by a P16-Light assay and normalized to that in white blood cells (WBCs). The DNA methylation level of the P16 promoter in GC and SM samples was determined by a 115 bp P16-specific MethyLight assay. Results: Both the P16 copy number and the DNA methylation level were significantly lower in GC samples than in SM samples (median, 1.94 vs. 2.14, p < 0.001 for P16 CN; 0.0004 vs. 0.0013, p = 0.002 for P16 methylation) and were associated with GC metastasis. The normalized P16 copy number was significantly lower in GCs without vs. with P16 methylation (p = 0.007). Similarly, more P16 somatic copy number deletions (SCNdel) were detected in GCs without vs. with P16 methylation (38.6% vs. 24.1%, p = 0.027). Conclusions: Somatic P16 copy number variations are closely coupled with P16 promoter DNA methylation during GC development. SCNdel and promoter DNA methylation complementarily inactivate P16 in GC development and promote GC metastasis.
Insights
Genetic alterations and DNA methylation of the tumor suppressor gene P16 are linked in gastric cancer development. These combined changes in P16 inactivation promote cancer metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Tumor suppressor genes are frequently inactivated through genetic and epigenetic alterations.
- The interplay between genetic changes and epigenetic modifications of tumor suppressor genes like CDKN2A/P16 in gastric cancer remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between genetic alterations (copy number variations) and epigenetic changes (DNA methylation) of the P16 gene in gastric cancer.
- To determine if these combined alterations are associated with gastric cancer progression and metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of P16 copy number and promoter DNA methylation in 200 gastric carcinoma (GC) samples and paired noncancerous tissues.
- Utilized P16-Light assay for copy number determination and MethyLight assay for DNA methylation analysis.
- Correlated genetic and epigenetic data with clinicopathological information, including metastasis.
Main Results:
- Significantly lower P16 copy number and DNA methylation levels were observed in GC samples compared to noncancerous tissues.
- Both P16 copy number variations and promoter methylation were associated with GC metastasis.
- P16 somatic copy number deletions (SCNdel) were more frequent in GCs lacking P16 methylation, suggesting complementary inactivation mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Somatic P16 copy number variations and P16 promoter DNA methylation are closely coupled during gastric cancer development.
- SCNdel and promoter DNA methylation act complementarily to inactivate P16, contributing to gastric cancer development and metastasis.
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