DNA Hypermethylation Patterns Detected in Serum as a Tool for Early Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Abstract
The promoter regions of some genes, in particular tumor suppressor genes, are frequently hypermethylated in cancer, but not normal cells. We are conducting a nested case-control study (within the NYUWHS cohort) to assess the potential of serum DNA hypermethylation markers as a tool for early detection of breast cancer. Case-control selection criteria have been designed, the first 200 subject (of 452 subjects in total) selected and cases and their 3 controls matched for age and date of blood donation. DNA has been extracted for these first 200 subjects (50 case-control sets) and stored in aliquots at -20 C until further analysis. DNA methylation analysis requires two basic steps. DNA is chemically modified using sodium bisulfite, creating methylation specific sequence variation that is detectable using quantitative methylation-specific real-time PCR (QMSP). QMSP reactions have been optimized and sensitivity to one genome copy has been attained. Work on the methodological issues surrounding the sodium bisulfite protocol continues. Early detection is an important determinant of breast cancer prognosis and survival. This study is the first to examine aberrant promoter methylation patterns in pre-diagnostic serum samples, taking a step closer to the development of a panel of markers to be incorporated into screening strategies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA493387
Entities
People
- Jennifer Brooks
Organizations
- New York University