DNA Methylation of the ABO Promoter and Loss of ABO Allelic Expression in Leukemia
Author Information
Author(s): Bianco-Miotto Tina, Hussey Damian J., Day Tanya K., O'Keefe Denise S., Dobrovic Alexander
Primary Institution: Department of Haematology-Oncology and University of Adelaide
Hypothesis
Is the loss of ABO allelic expression in leukemic patients associated with DNA methylation of the ABO promoter?
Conclusion
Loss of ABH antigens in patients with hematological malignancies is associated with a significant loss of ABO allelic expression due to DNA methylation of the ABO promoter.
Supporting Evidence
- 50% of patients with ABH antigen loss detected by flow cytometry had a corresponding loss of ABO mRNA allelic expression.
- 73% of patients with loss of ABO allelic expression had a methylated ABO promoter.
- DNA methylation was shown to be responsible for the silencing of the ABO transcript in leukemic cell lines.
Takeaway
Some patients with blood cancer lose their blood type markers because their DNA gets changed, which stops their body from making those markers.
Methodology
The study analyzed ABO allelic expression and DNA methylation in 28 patients with hematological malignancies using flow cytometry and RT-PCR.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in patient selection and the representativeness of the samples analyzed.
Limitations
The study may not account for all potential mechanisms of ABO antigen loss, and the sample size is relatively small.
Participant Demographics
Patients with acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, and myeloproliferative disorders.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Statistical Significance
p=0.03
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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