Selected Alu methylation levels in the gastric carcinogenesis cascade.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Genome-wide hypomethylation, a common epigenetic change that occurs during cancer development, primarily affects repetitive elements, such as Alu repeats. Consequently, Alu repeats can be used as a surrogate marker of genomic hypomethylation.

Methods

In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between Alu methylation levels and the multistage course of gastric carcinogenesis.

Results

We found that the Alu methylation levels in gastric cancer tissue decreased compared with those in normal gastric tissue, with the change in methylation levels and pattern being most significant between chronic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. Moreover, Alu methylation levels were not associated with Helicobacter pylori or Epstein-Barr virus infection.

SUBMITTER: Meevassana J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12101442 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature