Epigenetic inactivation of the RASSF1A tumour suppressor gene in ependymoma.
To investigate the role of aberrant epigenetic events in ependymoma and identify critical genes in its pathogenesis, the methylation status of nine tumour suppressor genes (TSGs: p14(ARF), p15(INK4B), p16(INK4A), CASP8, MGMT, TIMP3, TP73, RB1 and RASSF1A) was assessed. Extensive hypermethylation across the RASSF1A CpG island was detected frequently in ependymomas of all clinical and pathological disease subtypes (86% of cases, n=35), but not in non-neoplastic brain tissues (n=6). Less frequent methylation was observed for CASP8, MGMT and TP73 (5-20%). The remaining TSGs showed no evidence of methylation. RASSF1A hypermethylation represents the most common gene-specific defect identified in ependymoma highlighting the importance of its further investigation in this disease.
Hamilton
David W
DW
Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Paul O'Gorman Building, The Medical School, University of Newcastle, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.
Lusher
Meryl E
ME
Lindsey
Janet C
JC
Ellison
David W
DW
Clifford
Steven C
SC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018899:CpG Islands; D019175:DNA Methylation; D004806:Ependymoma / Q000235:genetics*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005260:Female; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D025521:Tumor Suppressor Proteins / Q000235:genetics*
C411762:RASSF1 protein, human; D025521:Tumor Suppressor Proteins