The mRNA expression and DNA methylation level of fibronectin 1 (FN1) gene encoding focal adhesion molecule in endometrial endometriosis

Abstract

Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissues located outside the uterine cavity. The expression of focal adhesion genes including FN1 gene increased in endometriosis. Epigenetic factors play a role in the alteration of expression that lead to the pathological conditions. This study aimed to analyze the mRNA expression and promoter methylation level of FN1 gene as an epigenetic mechanism in endometriosis. Forty of the total samples from endometrial patients and normal were used. The DNA and RNA were isolated, DNA was converted using sodium bisulfite procedure, amplified by MSP method. Promoter methylation level was determined by intensity of the bands that arose in gel electrophoresis using ImageJ software. The RNA was reverse transcribed into cDNA and was amplified using RT-qPCR. The mRNA expression level of FN1 gene was higher in endometrial endometriosis compared to normal, but not significant statistically (p=0,63). There was a significant difference methylation level of FN1 gene in endometrial endometriosis compared to normal endometrium (p=0.022). There was positive correlation between promoter methylation level to its mRNA expression in endometrial endometriosis (r=0.080; p=0.736). DNA methylation alteration in promoter FN1 gene was not to be caused by the increasing of mRNA expression.