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Hypermethylation of SOX2 Gene in Hydatidiform Mole and Choriocarcinoma

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Abstract

This study investigated the expression and methylation profiles of SOX2, a stem cell—related transcription factor, in placentas and gestational trophoblastic disease. The methylation status of SOX2 promoter region in 55 hydatidiform moles, 4 choriocarcinoma, 23 first trimester, and 15 term placentas was evaluated by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. The methylated allele was found in 4.4% (1/23) of first trimester placentas, 26.7% (4/15) term placentas, and 56.4% (31/55) of hydatidiform moles and all choriocarcinoma samples and cell lines. A significant reduction in SOX2 messenger RNA expression was found in the hydatidiform moles (P = .027) when compared with that in the placentas. SOX2 messenger RNA expression was significantly correlated with SOX2 hypermethylation (P < .001). SOX2 expression was restored in choriocarcinoma cell lines following treatment to 5-Aza-2′ -deoxycytidine and/or Trichostatin A, demethylation and histone deacetylase inhibitors, respectively, and the response was synergistic. Epigenetic mechanisms may play important role on the transcriptional regulation of SOX2 and contribute to pathogenesis of gestational trophoblastic disease.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China

    Albert S. M. Li MMedSc, Michelle K. Y. Siu PhD, HuiJuan Zhang MD, Esther S. Y. Wong BSc, Kelvin Y. K. Chan PhD & Annie N. Y. Cheung MD

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

    Hextan Y. S. Ngan MD

Authors
  1. Albert S. M. Li MMedSc
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  2. Michelle K. Y. Siu PhD
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  3. HuiJuan Zhang MD
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  4. Esther S. Y. Wong BSc
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  5. Kelvin Y. K. Chan PhD
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  6. Hextan Y. S. Ngan MD
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  7. Annie N. Y. Cheung MD
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Correspondence to Annie N. Y. Cheung MD.

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Li, A.S.M., Siu, M.K.Y., Zhang, H. et al. Hypermethylation of SOX2 Gene in Hydatidiform Mole and Choriocarcinoma. Reprod. Sci. 15, 735–744 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719108322433

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719108322433

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