DNA Methylation

Changes in gene expression that result in aberrant cell behaviour are the hallmark of a cancer cell. Contained within the human genome of DNA are thousands of CG dinucleotides. These are subject to a chemical modification called 'methylation', a process that can inhibit the expression of a gene. DNA methylation has many functions in normal cells, including suppression of 'tumor causing' genes and regulation of tissue specific genes. Recently DNA methylation has been shown to play a role in the initiation and progression of cancer cells. Adverse DNA methylation has been shown to inactivate tumour suppressor genes, promote chromosome instability and lead to increased mutations in the genome. These may all lead to cancer. Scientists at QIMR and around the world are trying to find out what turns such a normal mechanism of cell regulation into an initiator of cancer and how to stop or reverse the process.

QIMR Scientists are investigating how DNA methylation determines gene expression in the following research areas:

• Control of cytokine expression
• Regulation of membrane receptors
• Genomic imprinting