Decitabine Inhibits Tumor Cell Proliferation in Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Gastric Cancer

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26460938
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Gastroenterology
• Research Institution: Yamaguchi University
• Principal Investigator: NISHIKAWA Jun 山口大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 教授 (00379950)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 胃癌 / EBウイルス / DNAメチル化 / 脱メチル化剤

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We investigated the effect of the DNA demethylating agent against EBV-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC). Decitabine inhibited cell growth and induced G2/M arrest and apoptosis in EBVaGC cell line, SNU719. The cells treated with decitabine were significantly inhibited the expression of E-cadherin and cell motility. The promoter regions of p73 and RUNX3 were demethylated and their expression was up-regulated by decitabine. They enhanced the expression of p21. P21 induced apoptosis and epithelial-methenchymal transition (EMT) inhibition through downregulation of c-Myc. The expression of BZLF1 was induced by decitabine in SNU719. Induction of EBV lytic infection was alternative way to cause apoptosis of the host cells. This study is the first report to reveal the effectiveness of a demethylating agent in inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and suppressing the expression of E-cadherin in EBV-associated gastric cancer.

Free Research Field

消化器内科