Analysis of Epigenetic Modifications in HCC827 and LNCaP cells

Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida, USA

Objective: Our study was aimed to examine the expression levels of DNA methyltransferase in HCC827 (Lung Cancer) cells during SAHA (Suberoylanilide Hydroxamic Acid) treatment. Background: Epigenetic changes in chromatin have been found to regulate oncogenesis and cancer cell growth. DNA methylation and Histone modification are some of the most important changes found during cancer growth. Epigenetic therapy using histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) SAHA can induce cell cycle arrest, differentiation, suppressed cell growth, and cell death of cancer cells. DNA methyl transferases are suspected to be involved in SAHA induced cell death. Methods: HCC827 cells were treated with SAHA (7.5µM) for 24 hrs. Microarray and western blotting analysis were used to assess the exoression levels of the DNA methyltrasnferase. Results: We found that SAHA treatment reduced the expression level of SUV39H1, DNMT3A, and PRMT1 after 24 hrs of treatment using Western blot as well as Microarray analysis. Conclusion: These results provide important information regarding that the interplay between histone acetylation and de-methylation under the same treatment, leading to two opposite effects: demethylation of DNA and upregulation of tumor suppressor genes. Grants: The Royal Dames of Cancer Research Inc. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida is gratefully acknowledged for their generous support.