DNA methylation changes in leukaemia.
Leukaemogenesis is a multi-step process whereby a clonal population arises that has undergone successive alterations to the genotype and the phenotype of the cells that make up the clone. Leukaemia has traditionally been viewed as a genetic disease, however epigenetic defects also play an important role. Expression of the DNA methyltransferase enzymes is elevated in leukaemia, and aberrant methylation is common with both a decrease in the total genomic 5-methylcytosine, and a concomitant hypermethylation of CpG island-associated tumour suppressor genes. This review will discuss the multitude of DNA methylation changes in haematopoietic malignancies and the implications they have for diagnosis and treatment.
Melki
John R
JR
Kanematsu Laboratories, Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.
Clark
Susan J
SJ
D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000235:genetics*; D018899:CpG Islands; D000076123:DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1; D004248:DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / Q000235:genetics; D019175:DNA Methylation; D000090205:DNA Methyltransferase 3A; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D020868:Gene Silencing; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000235:genetics*; D008780:Methyltransferases / Q000235:genetics*
C000717967:DNMT3A protein, human; D008780:Methyltransferases; D000076123:DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1; D004248:DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases; D000090205:DNA Methyltransferase 3A