Prostaglandin E2 promotes intestinal tumor growth via DNA methylation

Nat Med. 2012 Jan 22;18(2):224-6. doi: 10.1038/nm.2608.

Abstract

Although aberrant DNA methylation is considered to be one of the key ways by which tumor-suppressor and DNA-repair genes are silenced during tumor initiation and progression, the mechanisms underlying DNA methylation alterations in cancer remain unclear. Here we show that prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) silences certain tumor-suppressor and DNA-repair genes through DNA methylation to promote tumor growth. These findings uncover a previously unrecognized role for PGE(2) in the promotion of tumor progression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / metabolism
  • DNA Methylation / drug effects*
  • DNA Methyltransferase 3B
  • DNA Repair / drug effects
  • Dinoprostone / pharmacology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / physiology
  • Genes, Tumor Suppressor / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Intestinal Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Mice
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases
  • Dinoprostone