title: Methylation analysis of the phosphates and tensin homologue on chromosome 10 gene (PTEN) in multiple myeloma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Aberrant DNA methylation of promoter region CpG islands is an alternative mechanism that leads to genetic defects in the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes during myelomagenesis. The aim of this study was to examine the promoter methylation status of the phosphates and tensin homologue on chromosome 10 (PTEN) gene in a cohort of multiple myeloma patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The PTEN gene was hypermethylated in 7 out of 58 (12%) primary myeloma samples. The correlation between functional inactivation and PTEN mRNA levels was not statistically significant. The multiple myeloma subgroup with an aberrant PTEN status had a prevalence of the component IgG, Salmon Durie stage I, lower lactate dehydrogenase levels, intermediate-standard cytogenetic risk and longer overall survival with the respect to the unmethylated subgroup.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first report demonstrating the presence of PTEN promoter hypermethylation in multiple myeloma.
authors.affiliation: UOC Ematologia, Ospedale "San Francesco", ASL Nuoro. Via Mannironi 1, Nuoro, 08100, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Piras
authors.affiliation: UOC Ematologia, Ospedale "San Francesco", ASL Nuoro. Via Mannironi 1, Nuoro, 08100, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Monne
authors.affiliation: UOC Ematologia, Ospedale "San Francesco", ASL Nuoro. Via Mannironi 1, Nuoro, 08100, Italy.
authors.forename: Angelo D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Palmas
authors.affiliation: UOC Ematologia, Ospedale "San Francesco", ASL Nuoro. Via Mannironi 1, Nuoro, 08100, Italy.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Calvisi
authors.affiliation: UOC Ematologia, Ospedale "San Francesco", ASL Nuoro. Via Mannironi 1, Nuoro, 08100, Italy.
authors.forename: Rosanna
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Asproni
authors.affiliation: UOC Ematologia, Ospedale "San Francesco", ASL Nuoro. Via Mannironi 1, Nuoro, 08100, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Vacca
authors.affiliation: UOC Ematologia, Ospedale "San Francesco", ASL Nuoro. Via Mannironi 1, Nuoro, 08100, Italy.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pilo
authors.affiliation: UOC Ematologia, Ospedale "San Francesco", ASL Nuoro. Via Mannironi 1, Nuoro, 08100, Italy.
authors.forename: Attilio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gabbas
authors.affiliation: UOC Ematologia, Ospedale "San Francesco", ASL Nuoro. Via Mannironi 1, Nuoro, 08100, Italy.
authors.forename: Giancarlo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Latte
keywords: Akt pathway; PTEN; Promoter hypermethylation; multiple myeloma