Derepression of Cancer/testis antigens in cancer is associated with distinct patterns of DNA hypomethylation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Cancer/Testis Antigens (CTAs) are a heterogeneous group of proteins whose expression is typically restricted to the testis. However, they are aberrantly expressed in most cancers that have been examined to date. Broadly speaking, the CTAs can be divided into two groups: the CTX antigens that are encoded by the X-linked genes and the non-X CT antigens that are encoded by the autosomes. Unlike the non-X CTAs, the CTX antigens form clusters of closely related gene families and their expression is frequently associated with advanced disease with poorer prognosis. Regardless however, the mechanism(s) underlying their selective derepression and stage-specific expression in cancer remain poorly understood, although promoter DNA demethylation is believed to be the major driv

SUBMITTER: Kim R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3618251 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature