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Published in:

01-05-2005

Tumor Progression Through Epigenetic Gene Silencing of O⁶−Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase in Human Biliary Tract Cancers

Authors: Yasuo Koga, MD, Yoshihiko Kitajima, MD, PhD, Atsushi Miyoshi, MD, Ken Sato, MD, Kenji Kitahara, MD, PhD, Hidenobu Soejima, MD, PhD, Kohji Miyazaki, MD, PhD

Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology | Issue 5/2005

ABSTRACT

Background

We previously demonstrated in an immunohistochemical study that reduced expression of O⁶−methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) correlated with a poorer prognosis in patients with biliary tract cancers. The purpose of this study was to clarify how MGMT deficiency leads to a poor outcome in biliary tract cancer. Thus, we examined epigenetic (promoter methylation) and genetic (gene mutation) alterations in biliary tract cancer.

Methods

We examined 37 biliary tract cancer specimens from patients who underwent surgical resection. Promoter methylation was determined by one-step or two-step methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. Gene mutation was identified by direct sequencing. The expression of MGMT protein in paraffin-embedded tissue was examined by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Frequencies of promoter methylation were 70% for p16/INK4a, 49% for MGMT, 46% for hMLH1, 41% for E-cadherin, and 32% for DAPK genes. MGMT methylation status was closely correlated with the MGMT protein expression determined by immunohistochemistry (P < .001). Although this was not statistically significant, biliary tract cancer tumors with MGMT methylation expressed multigene methylation more frequently than tumors without MGMT methylation (P = .071). A total of 33 mutations were identified in 4 cancer-related genes: p53, K-ras, β-catenin, and p16/INK4a genes. The most common mutation was GC to AT transitions (58%), which were significantly associated with MGMT promoter methylation (P = .011). These findings suggest that loss of MGMT expression by promoter methylation results in accumulation of GC to AT gene mutations.

Conclusions

Reduced MGMT expression may increase the malignant potential of biliary tract cancer through both epigenetic and genetic mechanisms.

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Title: Tumor Progression Through Epigenetic Gene Silencing of O6−Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase in Human Biliary Tract Cancers
Authors: Yasuo Koga, MD
Yoshihiko Kitajima, MD, PhD
Atsushi Miyoshi, MD
Ken Sato, MD
Kenji Kitahara, MD, PhD
Hidenobu Soejima, MD, PhD
Kohji Miyazaki, MD, PhD
Publication date: 01-05-2005
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology / Issue 5/2005
Print ISSN: 1068-9265
Electronic ISSN: 1534-4681
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1245/ASO.2005.07.020

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Tumor Progression Through Epigenetic Gene Silencing of O⁶−Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase in Human Biliary Tract Cancers

ABSTRACT

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

ABSTRACT

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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