Overexpression of DNMT1 and DNMT3b contributes to hepatocellular carcinogenesis.

2003 SEP 29 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Overexpression of DNMT1 and DNMT3b contributes to hepatocellular carcinogenesis.

According to published research from Japan, "Downregulation of tumor suppressor genes by hypermethylation of 5'-CpGs is one of the important mechanisms involved in tumor development.

"DNA (5-cytosine)-methyltransferases (DNMTs) are enzymes that methylate the cytosine residue of CpGs, and four types have been identified (DNMT1, 2, 3a, and 3b). To examine the involvement of DNMTs in hepatocellular carcinogenesis, we measured DNMT mRNAs in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs)," wrote M. Nagai and colleagues, Showa University School of Medicine. …