DNA Methylation and Cancer

Synonyms

Gene silencing; Oncogene and proto-oncogene regulation; Transcriptional silencing

Definition

Since DNA methylation influences whether or not a gene is transcribed, misregulation of DNA methylation can lead to abnormal cell function and disease. In fact, aberrant changes in DNA methylation patterns are tightly linked to several cancers. There are several known examples where changes in methylation patterns correspond to changes in gene expression that lead to the development of cancer. In some areas of a cancerous cell’s genome, there is too little DNA methylation, while in other areas, there is too much. Both types of changes in methylation patterns can alter the transcription of genes that contribute to the formation of cancer.

Discussion

Cancer usually arises from several mutations in DNA. Certain genes help protect cells from cancer (tumor suppressor genes), while other genes control cell division and other cellular characteristics. These genes, called proto-oncogenes, are...