DNA methylation as an etiologic factor in carcinogenesis

The paper presents current data on theepigenetic regulation of gene expression in malignant tumors. Methylation of CpG islands in the gene promoter regions not accompanied by DNA structural changes leads to gene inactivation. The analytical methods of DNA methylation are described in detail. Methylation of certain genes in different tumor types are examplified. Since methylation is an early marker of carcinogenesis, there is an opportunity of elaborating of prospective diagnostic protocols.