[The methylation analysis of EMP3 and PCDH-gamma-A11 gene in human glioma].
OBJECTIVE
To study the relationship between promoter methylation and mRNA expressions of EMP3 and PCDH-gamma-A11 genes in human glioma, and to analyze the regulation mechanism of promoter methylation in the progression of glioma.


METHODS
The promoter methylation of EMP3 and PCDH-gamma-A11 was studied by a methylation specific PCR in 88 primary astrocytoma, 10 normal brain tissues and 2 glioma cell lines. The mRNA expressions were detected by real-time PCR in 30 primary glioma and 10 normal brain tissues. The correlations of their promoter methylation, mRNA expressions and clinicopathologic characteristics were analyzed. The promoter methylation were also detected in U251 and SHG-44 cell lines.


RESULTS
The promoter methylation of EMP3 was detected in 42 tumors (47.7%) and the methylation of PCDH-gamma-A11 was detected in 76 tumors (86.4%). Their mRNA expressions were all significantly decreased in different pathological grade astrocytomas compared to the normal brain tissues (P < 0.01). Their expressions were suppressed but could be reactivated by 5-aza-deoxycytidine in U251 and SHG-44 cell lines.


CONCLUSIONS
The promoter methylation of EMP3 and PCDH-gamma-A11 genes may lead to the down-regulation of their mRNA levels in glioma. The promoter methylation and mRNA expressions of EMP3 and PCDH-gamma-A11 are closely related with the malignant development of glioma. The promoter methylation of the two genes may provide clues to evaluation of glioma malignancy as well as its prognosis. It also gives us an insight for future glioma medical therapy with a demethylating agent.
Jiang
Zheng
Z
Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
Zhou
Wei
W
Li
Xin-gang
XG
Jiang
Yu-quan
YQ
Wang
Lei
L
Wang
Dong-hai
DH
Wang
Xin-yu
XY
Li
Xue-en
XE
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D000070585:Cadherin Related Proteins; D015820:Cadherins / Q000235:genetics*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D019175:DNA Methylation; D005910:Glioma / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics*; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics
D000070585:Cadherin Related Proteins; D015820:Cadherins; C485157:EMP3 protein, human; C464785:Gamma-protocadherins; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger