title: SPARC and DNA methylation: possible diagnostic and therapeutic implications in gastrointestinal cancers.
abstract: DNA methylation is a major contributor to epigenetic alterations and as such is a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in gastrointestinal malignancies. DNA methylation is commonly observed in several Gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies including pancreatic and colorectal cancer. Methylation results in decreased expression of tumor suppressor genes. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a tumor suppressor gene that can be functionally inactivated through methylation. SPARC is commonly dysregulated in GI malignancies. Inhibition of DNA methylation can reverse the silencing of SPARC. In the present review, we will discuss recent advances in our understanding of the features of DNA methylation that pertain to SPARC, focusing on their functional and clinical relevance in GI carcinogenesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States.
authors.forename: Ganji Purnachandra
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Nagaraju
authors.forename: Bassel F
authors.initials: BF
authors.lastname: El-Rayes
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers; D019175:DNA Methylation; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor; D006801:Humans; D015676:Osteonectin; D025521:Tumor Suppressor Proteins
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D015676:Osteonectin; C577241:SPARC protein, human; D025521:Tumor Suppressor Proteins