Epigenetic Regulation of Endogenous Somatostatin Expression in Neuroendocrine Tumors

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Introduction: Somatostatin (SST) can regulate hormone secretion and cell proliferation in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). SST expression levels in NETs likely differ between patients. DNA methylation inhibits gene transcription and can be reversed by the demethylating drug 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine (AZA).

Aim(s): To investigate SST expression in NETs and SST gene promoter DNA methylation levels, as well as the influence of AZA on SST expression in NET cell lines.

Materials and methods: SST mRNA expression was determined in a tumor tissue panel of 18 gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) NETs and in NET cell lines BON and DMS-79 exposed to AZA. By CpG pyrosequencing DNA methylation levels were measured in the SST gene promoter in untreated cells.

Conference: 10th Annual ENETSConcerence (2013)

Presenting Author:

Authors: Veenstra M, Van Koetsveld P, Dogan F, Waaijers A, Sprij-Mooij D,

Keywords: somatostatin, epigenetics,