Titrimetric immunohistochemical evaluation of DNA hypomethylation in uterine tumours.
BACKGROUND
Global DNA hypomethylation is a well established feature of many common cancers.


OBJECTIVE
To establish a simple semi-quantitative, titrimetric immunohistochemical method in order to exploit this trait for prognostic purposes, in uterine cancers.


METHODS
A monoclonal antibody against 5-methylcytidine was used for immunohistochemical staining of methylated DNA in tumour cells. The degree of methylated DNA in the tumour tissue was visually compared and matched to that of normal tissues stained by serial decreasing concentrations of antibody to 5-methylcytidine.


RESULTS
Using this method a significant correlation was found between the histological stage and the reduction in DNA methylation in uterine adenocarcinoma (n = 39) and uterine squamous cell carcinoma (n = 23).


CONCLUSIONS
A simple titrimetric immunohistochemical method has been developed for quantitative evaluation of ligands. This method should be further employed in follow-up studies, in order to establish the prognostic value of DNA hypomethylation in uterine cancer.
Queen Mary University of London, ICMS Core Pathology, The Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, UK. wolk1@bezeqint.net
M
M
Wolk
J E
JE
Martin
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D003562:Cytidine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D019175:DNA Methylation; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D011379:Prognosis; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm; D003562:Cytidine; C016568:5-methylcytidine