The importance of methylthio-IMP for methylmercaptopurine ribonucleoside (Me-MPR) cytotoxicity in Molt F4 human malignant T-lymphoblasts

The importance of methyl-thioIMP (Me-tIMP) formation for methylmercaptopurine ribonucleoside (Me-MPR) cytotoxicity was studied in Molt F4 cells. Cytotoxicity of Me-MPR is caused by Me-tIMP formation with concomitant inhibition of purine de novo synthesis. Inhibition of purine de novo synthesis resulted in decreased purine nucleotide levels and enhanced 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate (PRPP) levels, with concurrent increased pyrimidine nucleotide levels. The Me-tIMP concentration increased proportionally with the concentration of Me-MPR. High Me-tIMP concentration also caused inhibition of PRPP synthesis. Maximal accumulation of PRPP thus occurred at low Me-MPR concentrations. As little as 0.2 μM Me-MPR resulted already after 2 h in maximal inhibition of formation of adenine and guanine nucleotides, caused by inhibition of purine de novo synthesis by Me-tIMP. Under these circumstances increased intracellular PRPP concentrations could be demonstrated, resulting in increased levels of pyrimidine nucleotides. So, in Molt F4 cells, formation of Me-tIMP form Me-MPR results in cytotoxicity by inhibition of purine de novo synthesis.     

Theoretical ab Initio Study of the Effects of Methylation on Structure and Stability of G:C Watson-Crick Base Pair

Abstract

Methylation of DNA occurs most readily at N(3), N(7), and O(6) of purine bases and N(3) and O(2) of pyrimidines. Methylated bases are continuously formed through endogenous and exogenous mechanisms. The results of a theoretical ab initio study on the methylation of G:C base pair components are reported. The geometries of the local minima were optimized without symmetry restrictions by the gradient procedure at DFT level of theory and were verified by energy second derivative calculations. The standard 6–31G(d) basis set was used. The single-point calculations have been performed at the MP2/6–31G(d,p), MP2/6–31₊₊G(d,p), and MP2/6–311₊₊G(2d,2p) levels of theory. The geometrical parameters, relative stability and counterpoise corrected interaction energies are reported. Also, using a variation-perturbation energy decomposition scheme we have found the vital contributions to the total interaction energy.     

Role of JMJD6 in Breast Tumourigenesis

BackgroundProtein arginine methylation is a common post translational modification that regulates protein properties. This modification is carried out by a family of nine arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs). Arginine methylation has already been linked to tumourigenesis as overexpression of these enzymes was associated with various cancers, notably in breast cancers. Since the Jumonji Domain Containing 6 protein (JMJD6) possesses an arginine demethylase activity able to remove the methyl mark, we wanted to assess its potential role in breast tumourigenesis.MethodsThe expression of the protein by tissue microarray immunohistochemical staining was performed on a cohort of 133 breast tumours. Using cell lines stably overexpressing or knocked down for JMJD6, we evaluated its role on cell proliferation, cell migration, colony formation and mice tumour xenografts.ResultsThe analysis of JMJD6 expression in a cohort of breast tumour samples indicates that JMJD6 was highly expressed in aggressive breast tumours. Moreover, high expression of JMJD6 was associated with poor disease-free survival of patients in this cohort. JMJD6 silencing in breast tumoural cells promotes certain characteristics of tumourigenesis including proliferation, migration in vitro, and tumour growth in vivo. These effects are dependent on its demethylase activity as an enzymatic dead mutant lost these properties.ConclusionsAlthough JMJD6 displays anti-tumoral properties in cell lines, its expression in breast tumours may be a marker of poor prognosis, suggesting that its function could be altered in breast cancer.     

Molecular Structure and Properties of Protonated and Methylated Derivatives of Cytosine

Abstract

Ab initio techniques were used to determine the effects of protonation and methylation on cytosine's molecular geometry, molecular affinities, relative stability, and structural rigidity. The geometries of local minima were fully optimized by the gradient procedure at DFT and MP2 levels of theory with the medium size 6–31G(d,p) basis set. The results of energetic analysis indicate that N(3)-methyl-cytosine and C(5)-methyl-cytosine are the most stable derivatives for monocationic and neutral species, respectively. The structural rigidity of each species was assessed by an analysis of normal out-of-plane frequencies, the amplitudes, and by the contribution of internal coordinates to the potential energy distributions. The obtained evidence suggests that methylation increases the overall structural flexibility of cytosine and that all molecules in this study populate a non-planar conformation 50% of the time.     

基于双层BiGRU网络的哺乳动物组织m6A甲基化位点预测

目的 N⁶-甲基化腺苷（N⁶-methyladenosine，m⁶A）是RNA中最常见、最丰富的化学修饰，在很多生物过程中发挥着重要作用。目前已经发展了一些预测m⁶A甲基化位点的计算方法。然而，这些方法在针对不同物种或不同组织时，缺乏稳健性。为了提升对不同组织中m⁶A甲基化位点预测的稳健性，本文提出一种能结合序列反向信息来提取数据更高级特征的双层双向门控循环单元（bidirectional gated recurrent unit，BiGRU）网络模型。方法 本文选取具有代表性的哺乳动物组织m⁶A甲基化位点数据集作为训练数据，通过对模型网络、网络结构、层数和优化器等进行搭配，构建双层BiGRU网络。结果 将模型应用于人类、小鼠和大鼠共11个组织的m⁶A甲基化位点预测上，并与其他方法在这11个组织上的预测能力进行了全面的比较。结果表明，本文构建的模型平均预测接受者操作特征曲线下面积（area under the receiver operating characteristic curve，AUC）达到93.72%，与目前最好的预测方法持平，而预测准确率（accuracy，ACC）、敏感性（sensitivity，SN）、特异性（specificity，SP）和马修斯相关系数（Matthews correlation coefficient，MCC）分别为90.07%、90.30%、89.84%和80.17%，均高于目前的m⁶A甲基化位点预测方法。结论 和已有研究方法相比，本文方法对11个哺乳动物组织的m⁶A甲基化位点的预测准确性均达到最高，说明本文方法具有较好的泛化能力。     

Two-Electron Aromatics with Classical and Non-Classical Homobridges

Bishomotriborirane anions with a B-H-B bridge, 7, have been synthesized by a) protonation and b) methylation of bishomodianions, 3, as well as by c) hydride addition to 1,2,4-triboracyclopentanes, 15. Compounds 7 were characterized by ¹H, ¹³C and ¹¹B NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses. The suggested mechanism for the formation of 7 is supported by MP4SDTQ/6-311++G**//MP2(fc)/6-31+G* computations on [C₂B₃H₈]^- model compounds. Classical 1,2-dibora-4-borata-cyclopentane intermediates 16 undergo an intramolecular hydrogen shift to the B-B unit in their envelope conformation to give intermediates 17, which easily isomerize to 7. Relative energies for the parent compounds, 16u, 17u, 7u and the transition structures, TS-16/17u and TS-7/17u are predicted to be 30.7, 14.5, 0.0, 32.6 and 23.5 kcal mol^-1, respectively. The terms classical and non-classical homobridges are suggested for methylene and hydrogen bridges in 7 and in related compounds on the grounds of common building principles. The strength of homoaromaticity in 7u was estimated to be at least 23.5 kcal mol^-1, neglecting the much higher strain in 7u compared to TS-7/17u without a 3c2e bond.Electronic Supplementary Material available.     

Fatigue effect on cross-talk in mechanomyography signals of extensor and flexor forearm muscles during maximal voluntary isometric contractions

Objective:This paper presents the analyses of the fatigue effect on the cross-talk in mechanomyography (MMG) signals of extensor and flexor forearm muscles during pre- and post-fatigue maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC).Methods:Twenty male participants performed repetitive submaximal (60% MVIC) grip muscle contractions to induce muscle fatigue and the results were analyzed during the pre- and post-fatigue MVIC. MMG signals were recorded on the extensor digitorum (ED), extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL), flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) and flexor carpi radialis (FCR) muscles. The cross-correlation coefficient was used to quantify the cross-talk values in forearm muscle pairs (MP1, MP2, MP3, MP4, MP5 and MP6). In addition, the MMG RMS and MMG MPF were calculated to determine force production and muscle fatigue level, respectively.Results:The fatigue effect significantly increased the cross-talk values in forearm muscle pairs except for MP2 and MP6. While the MMG RMS and MMG MPF significantly decreased (p<0.05) based on the examination of the mean differences from pre- and post-fatigue MVIC.Conclusion:The presented results can be used as a reference for further investigation of cross-talk on the fatigue assessment of extensor and flexor muscles’ mechanic.     

Synthesis and Biological Activity of the Novel Adenosine Analogs; 3-Amino-6-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)pyrazolo[3,4-c]pyrazole and 3-Amino-1-methyl-6-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)pyrazolo[3,4-c]pyrazole

Abstract

Chemical modification of the 4-nitrile group in 5-amino-1-(2,3,5-tri-O-benzyl-β-D-ribofuranosyl)pyrazole-4-carbonitrile (1) afforded 5-amino-4-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-1-(2,3,5-tri-O-benzyl-β-D-ribofuran osyl)pyrazole (3). The methylation of 3, via a three step procedure, gave 5-methylamino-4-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-1-(2,3,5-tri-O-benzyl-β-D-ribofuranosyl)pyrazole (3a). The mononuclear heterocyclic rearrangement (m.h.r) of 3 and 3a, provided a convenient route to the novel azapentalene adenosine analogs 3-amino-6-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)pyrazolo[3,4-c]pyrazole (6) and 3-amino-1-methyl-6-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)pyrazolo[3,4-c]pyrazole (6a), respectively. Compound 6 exhibited no cytotoxicity when screened in vitro against either mouse L1210 leukemic cells or human foreskin fibroblasts. Nor was it active against human cytomegalovirus. Compound 6a was designed and prepared to investigate the possibility that the lack of biological activity of 6 might be due to annular tautomerization limiting the ability of 6 to serve as a substrate for the activating enzyme adenosine kinase. This hypothesis was neither supported nor disproved by the results, as compound 6a was also inactive in both the antiproliferative and antiviral test systems.     

Multi‐armed poly(L‐glutamic acid)‐graft‐oligoethylenimine copolymers as efficient nonviral gene delivery vectors

Background

The application of polyethylenimine (PEI) in gene delivery has been severely limited by significant cytotoxicity that results from a nondegradable methylene backbone and high cationic charge density. It is therefore necessary to develop novel biodegradable PEI derivates for low‐toxic, highly efficient gene delivery.

Methods

A series of novel cationic copolymers with various charge density were designed and synthesized by grafting different kinds of oligoethylenimine (OEI) onto a determinate multi‐armed poly(L ‐glutamic acid) backbone. The molecular structures of multi‐armed poly(L ‐glutamic acid)‐graft‐OEI (MP‐g‐OEI) copolymers were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance, viscosimetry and gel permeation chromatography. Moreover, the MP‐g‐OEI/DNA complexes were measured by a gel retardation assay, dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy to determine DNA binding ability, particle size, zeta potential, complex formation and shape, respectively. MP‐g‐OEI copolymers were also evaluated in Chinese hamster ovary and human embryonic kidney‐293 cells for their cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency.

Results

The particle sizes of MP‐g‐OEI/DNA complexes were in a range of 109.6–182.6 nm and the zeta potentials were in a range of 29.2–44.5 mV above the N/P ratio of 5. All the MP‐g‐OEI copolymers exhibited lower cytotoxicity and higher gene transfection efficiency than PEI25k in the absence and presence of serum with different cell lines. Importantly, the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay revealed that the cytotoxicity of MP‐g‐OEI copolymers varied with their molecular weight and charge density, and two of MP‐g‐OEI copolymers (OEI600‐MP and OEI1800‐MP) could achieve optimal transfection efficiency at a similar low N/P ratio as that for PEI25k.

Conclusions

MP‐g‐OEI copolymers demonstrated considerable potential as nonviral vectors for gene therapy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

O6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase and ATP-Binding Cassette Membrane Transporter G2 Promotor Methylation: Can Predict the Response to Chemotherapy in Advanced Breast Cancer?

Background:ATP-binding cassette membrane transporter G2 (ABCG2) gene is one of transporter family and well characterized for their association with chemoresistance. Promoter methylation is a mechanism for regulation of gene expression. O6-Methyl guanine DNA methyl transferase (MGMT) gene plays a fundamental role in DNA repair. MGMT has the ability to remove alkyl adducts from DNA at the O6 position of guanine. Alkylating agents exert their function through adding these alkyls adducts to DNA leading to cell death unless it is repaired by MGMT. MGMT promoter was found to be methylated in several malignancies. The aim of the present work is to study the relation of MGMT and ABCG2 promoter methylation status in advanced breast cancer patients to response to cyclophosphamide–doxorubicin (AC) based therapeutic regime.Methods:This retrospective study included Forty-two female patients with advanced breast cancer assessed before receiving chemotherapy and after the completion of regimens. They were grouped into responders and non-responders according to RECIST criteria. Methylation analysis of MGMT and ABCG2 genes were performed on breast cancer tissues.Results:MGMT promoter was methylated in 40.5% of the cases. ABCG2 promoter was methylated in 14.3% of cases. There was no statistically significant association between MGMT and ABCG2 promoter methylation status and clinicopathological parameters. There was statistically significant association between methylation status of both promoters and response to AC when followed by Taxane.Conclusion:Methylation of MGMT and ABCG2 promoters combined could be a potential predictive factor for response to cyclophosphamide-doxorubicin based therapeutic regime.Key Words: ABCG2, Breast cancer, Chemoresistance, DNA methylation, MGMT     

Clinical and prognostic effects of CDKN2A,CDKN2B and CDH13 promoter methylation in ovarian cancer: a study using meta-analysis and TCGA data

Abstract

Background: Promoter methylation of tumour suppressor genes (TSGs) CDKN2A, CDKN2B and CDH13 has been reported in ovarian cancer. However, the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic role of CDKN2A, CDKN2B and CDH13 promoter methylation in ovarian carcinoma remained unclear.

Methods: The pooled odds ratio (OR) or hazard ratios (HRs) with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated in this meta-analysis. The Cancer Genome Atlas data were obtained to confirm the role of CDKN2A, CDKN2B and CDH13 methylation in ovarian cancer.

Results: CDKN2A, CDKN2B and CDH13 promoter methylation was higher in ovarian cancer than in normal ovarian tissues. CDH13 promoter methylation was correlated with tumour histology (serous vs. non-serous type: OR?=?0.33, p?=?0.031). CDKN2A promoter methylation was not linked to overall survival (OS), but it was correlated with a poor prognosis in progression-free survival (HR?=?1.55, p?=?0.004). TCGA data showed no correlation between CDKN2A, CDKN2B and CDH13 methylation and OS as well as disease-free survival (DFS).

Conclusions: CDKN2A, CDKN2B and CDH13 promoter methylation may correlate with the increased risk of ovarian cancer. CDKN2A promoter methylation may be an independent prognostic biomarker for predicting progression-free survival.     

Molecular dynamics simulation of a human thiopurine S-methyltransferase complexed with 6-mercaptopurine model

Human thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) is an essential protein in 6-mercaptopurine (6MP) drug metabolism. To understand the pharmacogenetics of TPMT and 6MP, X-ray co-crystal structures of TPMT complexes with S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) and 6MP are required. However, the co-crystal structure of this complex has not been reported because 6MP is poorly water soluble. We used molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to predict the structure of the complex of human TPMT-AdoHcy(CH₂)6MP, where the sulfur atoms of AdoHcy and 6MP were linked by a CH₂ group. After 1300 picoseconds of MD simulation, the trajectory showed that 6MP was stabilized in the TPMT active site by formation of non-bonded interactions between 6MP and Phe40, Pro196 and Arg226 side chains of TPMT. The intersulfur distance between AdoHcy and 6MP as well as the binding modes and the interactions of our TPMT-AdoHcy model are consistent with those observed in the X-ray crystal structure of murine TPMT-AdoHcy-6MP complex. The predicted binding modes of AdoHcy and 6MP in our model are consistent with those observed in murine TPMT X-ray crystal structures, which provides structural insights into the interactions of TPMT, AdoHcy, and 6MP at the atomic level and may be used as a starting point for further study of thiopurine drug pharmacogenetics.     

The cytotoxicity of garlic-related disulphides and thiosulfonates in WHCO1 oesophageal cancer cells is dependent on S-thiolation and not production of ROS

BackgroundGarlic has been used for centuries in folk medicine for its health promoting and cancer preventative properties. The bioactive principles in crushed garlic are allyl sulphur compounds which are proposed to chemically react through (i) protein S-thiolation and (ii) production of ROS.MethodsA collection of R-propyl disulphide and R-thiosulfonate compounds were synthesised to probe the importance of thiolysis and ROS generation in the cytotoxicity of garlic-related compounds in WHCO1 oesophageal cancer cells.ResultsA significant correlation (R² = 0.78, Fcrit (7,1) α = 0.005) was found between the cytotoxicity IC₅₀ and the leaving group pK_a of the R-propyl disulphides and thiosulfonates, supporting a mechanism that relies on the thermodynamics of a mixed disulphide exchange reaction. Disulphide (1) and thiosulfonate (11) were further evaluated mechanistically and found to induce G₂/M cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation, and generate ROS. When the ROS produced by 1 and 11 were quenched with Trolox, ascorbic acid or N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), only NAC was found to counter the cytotoxicity of both compounds. However, NAC was found to chemically react with 11 through mixed disulphide formation, providing an explanation for this apparent inhibitory result.ConclusionCellular S-thiolation by garlic related disulphides appears to be the cause of cytotoxicity in WHCO1 cells. Generation of ROS appears to only play a secondary role.General significanceOur findings do not support ROS production causing the cytotoxicity of garlic-related disulphides in WHCO1 cells. Importantly, it was found that the popular ROS inhibitor NAC interferes with the assay.     

RASSF6 exhibits promoter hypermethylation in metastatic melanoma and inhibits invasion in melanoma cells

Brain metastasis is a major contributor to cancer mortality, yet, the genetic changes underlying the development of this capacity remain poorly understood. RASSF proteins are a family of tumor suppressors that often suffer epigenetic inactivation during tumorigenesis. However, their epigenetic status in brain metastases has not been well characterized. We have examined the promoter methylation of the classical RASSF members (RASSF1A-RASSF6) in a panel of metastatic brain tumor samples. RASSF1A and RASSF2 have been shown to undergo promoter methylation at high frequency in primary lung and breast tumors and in brain metastases. Other members exhibited little or no methylation in these tumors. In examining melanoma metastases, however, we found that RASSF6 exhibits the highest frequency of inactivation in melanoma and in melanoma brain metastases. Most melanomas are driven by an activating mutation in B-Raf. Introduction of RASSF6 into a B-Raf^V600E-containing metastatic melanoma cell line inhibited its ability to invade through collagen and suppressed MAPK pathway activation and AKT. RASSF6 also appears to increase the association of mutant B-Raf and MST1, providing a potential mechanism by which RASSF6 is able to suppress MAPK activation. Thus, we have identified a novel potential role for RASSF6 in melanoma development. Promoter methylation leading to reduced expression of RASSF6 may play an important role in melanoma development and may contribute to brain metastases.     

Relatively Small Contribution of Methylation and Genomic Copy Number Aberration to the Aberrant Expression of Inflammation-Related Genes in HBV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BackgroundIt is well known that chronic inflammation plays a pivotal role in the development of hepatitis B virus (HBV) related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the causes behind aberrant expression of inflammation-related genes occurred in HCC remain unclear.MethodsWe performed array-based analyses to comprehensively investigate the contributions of DNA methylation and somatic copy number aberration (SCNA) to the aberrant expression of 1,027 inflammation-related genes in 30 HCCs and paired non-tumor tissues. The results were validated in public datasets and an additional sample set of 47 paired HCCs and non-tumor tissues.ResultsWe identified 252 differentially expressed, 125 aberrantly methylated and 287 copy number changed inflammation-related genes. Despite reasonable statistical power, among them, only 11 genes and 56 genes whose aberrant expression was associated with DNA methylation or SCNA, respectively. DNA methylation and SCNA together contributed to less than 30% aberrant expression of inflammation-related genes.ConclusionThese results suggest that molecular mechanisms other than DNA methylation and SCNA might play major role in the regulation of aberrant expression of inflammation-related gene in HBV-related HCCs.     

The protective effect of misoprostol against doxorubicin induced liver injury

ABSTRACT

We investigated the potential hepatoprotective effects of misoprostol (MP) on doxorubicin (DOX) induced liver injury in rats using histology and biochemistry. We used 21 male Sprague-Dawley rats divided randomly into three groups: group 1, control; group 2, DOX; group 3, DOX + MP. The control group was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 0.5 ml 0.9% w/v NaCl and given 1 ml 0.9% NaCl orally for 6 days. DOX was administered i.p. as a single dose of 20 mg/kg. MP, 0.2 mg/kg, was given orally for 6 days. Treatment with MP increased high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and decreased serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol levels significantly in serum. Increased malondialdehyde level and decreased catalase, glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels caused by DOX were suppressed significantly in liver tissue by MP. DOX + MP reduced loss of body weight. Oxidative stress was decreased, antioxidant activity was increased and histopathological changes were reduced in the DOX + MP group compared to the DOX group. Liver injury caused by DOX was attenuated by MP treatment owing to the antioxidative and anti-apoptotic effects of MP, which might be useful for reducing the severity of DOX induced liver injury.     

DNA methylation analysis reveals the effect of arsenic on gestational diabetes mellitus

BackgroundArsenic (As) exposure is one of the risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study aimed to explore the effect of As-exposure on DNA methylation in GDM and to establish a risk assessment model of GDM in As exposed pregnant women.MethodWe collected elbow vein blood of pregnant women before delivery to measure As concentration and DNA methylation data. Then compared the DNA methylation data and established a nomogram.ResultWe identified a total of 10 key differentially methylated CpGs (DMCs) and found 6 corresponding genes. Functions were enriched in Hippo signaling pathway, cell tight junction, prophetic acid metabolism, ketone body metabolic process, and antigen processing and presentation. A nomogram was established that can predict GDM risks (c-index = 0.595, s:p = 0.973).ConclusionWe found 6 genes associated with GDM with high As exposure. The prediction of the nomograms has been proven to be effective.     

A modified screening strategy for Lynch syndrome among MLH1-deficient CRCs: Analysis from consecutive Chinese patients in a single center

BackgroundThe low prevalence of the BRAF V600E mutation in colorectal cancers (CRCs) in Chinese populations has stimulated concern about the efficacy of BRAF mutation analysis for Lynch syndrome (LS) screening.MethodsIn total, 169 of 4104 consecutive CRC patients with absent MLH1 staining were analyzed to compare the utility of the BRAF V600E mutation testing with MLH1 promoter methylation analysis in the Chinese population. Germline genetic testing was performed in patients with wild-type BRAF/methylated MLH1.ResultsCompared with BRAF genotyping, the use of MLH1 methylation testing alone to evaluate patients with MLH1 deficiency reduced referral rates for germline testing by 1.8-fold (82.8% vs. 47.1%). However, 6 patients harboring MLH1 promoter methylation were verified to have LS through germline genetic testing. It is notable that all 6 patients had a family history of CRC in at least 1 first-degree relative (FDR) or second-degree relative (SDR). The combination of MLH1 promoter methylation analysis and a family history of CRC could preclude significantly more patients from germline genetic testing than from BRAF mutation testing alone (45.5% vs. 17.2%, p<0.001) and decrease the number of misdiagnosed LS patients with MLH1 promoter methylation.ConclusionThe combination of a family history of CRC with MLH1 promoter methylation analysis showed better performance than BRAF mutation testing in the selection of patients in the Chinese population for germline genetic testing.     

Effects of Methylation Status of CpG Sites within the HPV16 Long Control Region on HPV16-Positive Head and Neck Cancer Cells

ObjectiveTo map comprehensively the methylation status of the CpG sites within the HPV16 long control region (LCR) in HPV-positive cancer cells, and to explore further the effects of methylation status of HPV16 LCR on cell bioactivity and E6 and E7 expression. In addition, to analyze the methylation status of the LCR in HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) patients.ResultsHypermethylation status of the LCR in UM-SCC47 (79.8%) and CaSki cells (90.0%) and unmethylation status of the LCR in SiHa cells (0%) were observed. Upon demethylation, the cells with different methylation levels responded differently during growth, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest, as well as in terms of their E6 and E7 expression. In HPV16-positive OPSCC patients, the methylation rates were 9.5% in the entire LCR region, 13.9% in the 5′-LCR, 6.0% in the E6 enhancer, and 9.5% in the p97 promoter, and hypermethylation of p97 promoter was found in a subset of cases (20.0%, 2/10).ConclusionsOur study revealed two different methylation levels of the LCR in HPV16-positive cancer cells and OPSCC patients, which may represent different carcinogenesis mechanisms of HPV-positive cancers cells. Demethylating the meCpGs in HPV16 LCR might be a potential target for a subgroup of HPV16-positive patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.