Ovarian cancer: the significant of gene methylation in carcinogenesis (review)

Background: Epigenetic regulation of genes plays an important role in the development of ovarian cancer. One of these mechanisms is DNA methylation of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. A detailed study of methylation can serve as an important step towards improving the methods of early screening for OC. The aim of the study: Based on the study of modern literature data, to consider the role of DNA methylation in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer and evaluate its contribution to the development of this disease. Materials and methods: Literature data were analyzed using the following keywords: DNA methylation, ovarian cancer, epigenetic regulation, epidemiology of ovarian cancer. Results: According to the literature data, hypermethylation of promoters of suppressor genes or, conversely, hypomethylation of oncogenes is noted in oncological diseases. Thus, it has been established that hypermethylation of the promoters of the OPCML, PAX1, CDH1, HOXA9, HIC1, MLH1 genes is often observed in ovarian cancer. Methylation of the HIST1H2BB, MAGI2, HOXA10 and HOXA11, LAMA3, ESR1, TNF, MUC1 and FOXO1 genes has an important diagnostic and/or prognostic value. The methylation of miRNA genes plays a special role in the progression of ovarian cancer. Conclusion: In contrast to genetic changes, DNA methylation is a reversible process, which is very promising for the development of new therapeutic approaches and for early diagnosis of the disease, where hypermethylation of gene promoters can serve as biomarkers. Numerous studies support the important role of methylation tumor suppressor genes and various microRNAs in oncogenesis, and predisposes to the development of a field of research aimed at deciphering the human epigenome. Understanding the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation of the development and course of cancer will contribute to the development of new diagnostic and prognostic methods and approaches for cancer treatment.