Transcription factor occupancy limits DNA methylation and determines ICAM1 expression in breast cancer

The interaction between TF binding and DNA methylation is increasingly recognized as a key player in the regulation of gene expression. However, the role of this interaction in regulating ICAM1 expression in breast cancer has not been elucidated. CpG methylation in the <i>ICAM1</i> promoter is negatively correlated with ICAM1 expression, and ICAM1 expression is significantly positively correlated with DNMT and TET3 expression in breast cancer. TF binding attenuates <i>ICAM1</i> promoter CpG methylation and promotes <i>ICAM1</i> transcription. DNA methylation regulation enhances ICAM1 expression in breast cancer by promoting the transcription of transcription factors. In terms of mechanisms, RELA and STATs recruit TET3 to prevent DNMT-mediated DNA methylation, thereby maintaining CpG island hypomethylation in the <i>ICAM1</i> promoter. Therefore, TF occupancy limits DNA methylation and affects ICAM1 expression in breast cancer.