Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the DNA methylation profile in 22 apoptosis-related genes in pleomorphic adenomas (PAs) of the salivary glands, in comparison with normal salivary glands (NSGs), and to address the differences in methylation patterns between smaller and larger tumors. Additionally, we investigated if the hypermethylation of differentially methylated genes between NSGs and PAs impacted the messenger RNA (mRNA) transcription.
Design: Twenty-three fresh PA samples and 12 NSG samples were included. The PA samples were divided into 2 groups: PAs with clinical size larger than 2 cm (n = 12) and PAs with clinical size 2 cm or smaller (n = 11). DNA methylation at the promoter region of a panel of 22 genes involved in apoptosis was profiled by using a human apoptosis DNA methylation polymerase chain reaction array, and the transcriptional levels of genes showing differential methylation profiles between PAs and NSGs were assessed.
Results: TNFRSF25 and BCL2 L11 were highly methylated in PAs, in comparison with NSGs, irrespective of tumor size. However, no difference could be observed in the mRNA transcription between PAs and NSGs.
Conclusions: Hypermethylation of the proapoptotic genes BCL2 L11 and TNFRSF25 is observed in PA. However, this phenomenon did not impact mRNA transcription.
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