title: DNA methylation as a molecular biomarker in gastric cancer.
abstract: DNA methylation plays a significant role in gastric carcinogenesis. The CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) characterizes distinct subtypes of gastric cancer (GC) and the relationship between specific methylation patterns and clinicopathological features has been evaluated. Altered DNA methylation is also observed in Helicobacter pylori-infected gastric mucosa, and its potential utility for GC risk estimation has been suggested. The ability to detect small amounts of methylated DNA among tissues allows us to use DNA methylation as a molecular biomarker in GC in a variety of samples, including serum, plasma and gastric washes. The DNA methylation status of nontargeted tissue, particularly blood, has been associated with predisposition to GC. We focus on the recent development of DNA methylation-based biomarkers in GC.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, 1-98 Dengakugakubo Kutsukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan.
authors.forename: Tomomitsu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tahara
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan.
authors.forename: Tomiyasu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Arisawa
mesh_terms: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D018899:CpG Islands; D019175:DNA Methylation; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D005819:Genetic Markers; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000382:microbiology
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D005819:Genetic Markers
keywords: CIMP; CpG island methylator phenotype; DNA methylation; Helicobacter pylori; chromatin remodeling; epigenetics; gastric cancer; molecular biomarker