Tumor-associated endothelial cells display GSTPI and RARβ2 promoter methylation in human prostate cancer

Amelia C. Grover, Michael A. Tangrea, Karen G. Woodson, Benjamin S. Wallis, Jeffrey C. Hanson, Rodrigo F. Chuaqui, John W. Gillespie, Heidi S. Erickson, Robert F. Bonner, Thomas J. Pohida, Michael R. Emmert-Buck, Steven K. Libutti

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: A functional blood supply is essential for tumor growth and proliferation. However, the mechanism of blood vessel recruitment to the tumor is still poorly understood. Ideally, a thorough molecular assessment of blood vessel cells would be critical in our comprehension of this process. Yet, to date, there is little known about the molecular makeup of the endothelial cells of tumor-associated blood vessels, due in part to the difficulty of isolating a pure population of endothelial cells from the heterogeneous tissue environment. Methods: Here we describe the use of a recently developed technique, Expression Microdissection, to isolate endothelial cells from the tumor microenvironment. The methylation status of the dissected samples was evaluated for GSTP1 and RARβ2 promoters via the QMS-PCR method. Results: Comparing GSTP1 and RARβ2 promoter methylation data, we show that 100% and 88% methylation is detected, respectively, in the tumor areas, both in epithelium and endothelium. Little to no methylation is observed in non-tumor tissue areas. Conclusion: We applied an accurate microdissection technique to isolate endothelial cells from tissues, enabling DNA analysis such as promoter methylation status. The observations suggest that epigenetic alterations may play a role in determining the phenotype of tumor-associated vasculature.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number13
JournalJournal of Translational Medicine
Volume4
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2 2006
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Tumor-associated endothelial cells display GSTPI and RARβ2 promoter methylation in human prostate cancer'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this