Levels of DNA Methylation Vary at CpG Sites across the BRCA1 Promoter, and Differ According to Triple Negative and “BRCA-Like” Status, in Both Blood and Tumour DNA

Open access:
 Levels of DNA Methylation Vary at CpG Sites across the BRCA1 Promoter, and Differ According to Triple Negative and “BRCA-Like” Status, in Both Blood and Tumour DNA

 This study highlights the variability in methylation level at different CpG sites close to the BRCA1 transcription start site. Methylation levels in tumour are generally greater than those in blood, and methylation at most sites (apart from +27) increases in triple negative tumours and those with a high BRCA1-like features scores. Analysis of BRCA1 promoter methylation may contribute to strategies for the identification of women who may benefit from PARP inhibition or other targeted therapies, as has occurred in BRCA associated ovarian cancer [54].