Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Global DNA methylation patterns in dog mast cell tumors
By Morimoto, C Y et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative oncology·2017·School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Evaluation of the global DNA methylation in canine mast cell tumour samples by immunostaining of 5-methyl cytosine.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study looked at skin tumors called mast cell tumors (MCT) in dogs, which are the most common type of skin tumor. Researchers found that high-grade MCTs, which are more aggressive, showed a pattern of DNA changes that could help explain how these tumors develop. Specifically, they noticed that these tumors had less DNA methylation, a process that can influence cancer growth. This information could lead to new treatments targeting the genetic changes in these tumors.
People also search for: dog mast cell tumor treatment · skin tumor in dogs · what is a mast cell tumor in dogs
Abstract
Cutaneous mast cell tumours (MCT) are the most common skin tumour in dogs, and to our knowledge, there are no previous studies regarding the global methylation of these tumours. DNA hypomethylation and hypermethylation have been described in several tumours and both mechanisms can lead to carcinogenesis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the global DNA methylation in canine MCT. A total of 48 MCT samples were classified in grades 1, 2 and 3 or high-grade or low-grade. Monoclonal antibodies were used for the immunohistochemical detection of the 5-methylcytosine. The immunostained nuclei were classified in strong, weak or negative pattern, and these were quantified in five distinct microscopic fields (40× objective) in each slide. The results showed that global DNA hypomethylation was predominant in grade 3, high-grade, less differentiated MCT. These epigenetic changes in neoplastic mast cells warrant further detailed investigation aiming the establishment of tumour epigenetic therapies.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27140659/