Individual and combined effects of DNA methylation and copy number alterations on miRNA expression in breast tumors.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The global effect of copy number and epigenetic alterations on miRNA expression in cancer is poorly understood. In the present study, we integrate genome-wide DNA methylation, copy number and miRNA expression and identify genetic mechanisms underlying miRNA dysregulation in breast cancer.

Results

We identify 70 miRNAs whose expression was associated with alterations in copy number or methylation, or both. Among these, five miRNA families are represented. Interestingly, the members of these families are encoded on different chromosomes and are complementarily altered by gain or hypomethylation across the patients. In an independent breast cancer cohort of 123 patients, 41 of the 70 miRNAs were confirmed with respect to aberration pattern and association to expressi

SUBMITTER: Aure MR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4053776 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature