CpG island methylation of proapoptotic genes in hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma

Aims: In the recent years, epigenetic inactivation of tumor suppressor genes through DNA methylation has come into focus in the development of malignant tumors. DNA methylation is the major epigenetic mechanism that regulates chromosomal instability and gene expression. CpG island hypermethylation of promoter sequences may contribute to tumorigenesis by silencing genes that promote apoptosis. To elucidate the role of apoptotic signaling molecules in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CC), promoter methylation and mRNA transcript expression of CASP8, TMS1, APAF1 and DAPK genes was analysed. Me…