Methylation of estrogen receptor alpha and uses thereof

Abstract

Methods for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cancer based on the methylation status of the ER-α gene promoter are disclosed. Methylation of the ER-α gene promoter is indicative of cancer and unfavorable prognosis. The cancer can be treated with a demethylation agent.

1 . A method of reducing DNA methylation in a cell, comprising contacting a melanoma, pancreatic cancer, hepatacellular cancer, esophageal cancer, sarcoma, or gastric cancer cell with a demethylation agent, thereby reducing methylation of the ER-α gene promoter in the cell. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the demethylation agent is 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising contacting the cell with an HDAC (histone deacetylase) inhibitor. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the HDAC inhibitor is trichostatin A. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the melanoma, pancreatic cancer, hepatacellular cancer, esophageal cancer, sarcoma, or gastric cancer is primary or metastatic melanoma, pancreatic cancer, hepatacellular cancer, esophageal cancer, sarcoma, or gastric cancer.