DNA METHYLATION REGULATES THE EXPRESSION OF Y CHROMOSOME SPECIFIC GENES IN PROSTATE CANCER

Purpose: We hypothesized that DNA methylation regulates the differential expression of Y chromosome specific genes in prostate cancer. To test this hypothesis we analyzed the expression of Y chromosome specific genes in 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-azaC) treated and untreated prostate cancer cell lines.Materials and Methods: To test this hypothesis Y chromosome specific genes were analyzed in prostate cancer cells treated with the demethylation agent 5-azaC. Total RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed, and polymerase chain reaction was performed using gene specific primers. These primers were designed based on the sequence available in the public genome data bank. The 10 Y chromosome specific genes DAZ, CDY, SRY, RBMY1A, RBMY1H, RBMII, BPY1, BPY2, PRY and TSPY were analyzed in the PC3, ND1, DU145, LNCaP, TSUPr1 and DUPro prostate cancer cell lines by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Normal testis RNA was used as a positive control.Results: Of the 10 Y chromosome specific genes DAZ gene ex...