Studies on tumor suppressor gene apoptosis protease-activating factor1, ARF tumor suppressor , RUNT-related transcription factor 3 methylation in tissue of colorectal cancer

Abstract

Objective To investigate abnormal promoter methylation status of apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (APAF1), ARF tumor suppressor (p14ARF) and RUNT-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) genes and analyze the value of these genes in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Methods Methylation specific polymerease chain reaction (MSP) was used to detect the methylation status of APAF1, p14ARF and RUNX3 genes in 70 cases of colorectal cancer tissues. Results The methylation rate of APAF1, p14ARF and RUNX3 in tumor tissue of colorectal cancer was 78.5%, 54.2% and 47.1% respectively. RUNX3 and APAF1 genes were highly expressed in pathological stage Ⅱ, and p14ARF and APAF1 in pathological stage Ⅲ. Aberrant methylation rate of APAF1, p14ARF and RUNX3 genes in colorectal cancer was more significantly different than the polyp of colon (P<0.05). Conclusion Aberrant methylation status of APAF1, p14ARF and RUNX3 is closely related with incidence of colorectal cancer. Key words: Colorectal cancer; Tumor suppressor gene; Methylation specific polymerease chain reaction