Table 2.
Hallmarks of cancer and examples of genes silenced by aberrant methylation.
| Hallmark | Gene | Gene Function | |
|---|---|---|---|
| WNT pathway | WIF1, SFRP | Inhibit the WNT pathway | |
| Self-sufficiency in growth signals | RASSF1A | Regulation of Ras pathway | |
| Mismatch repair | hMLH1 | Failure to correct mutations | |
| Evading apoptosis | Caspase-8 | Initiation of apoptosis | |
| Insensitivity to antigrowth signals | p16/CDKN2A | Cyclin-kinase inhibitor | |
| Tissue invasion and metastasis | VHL (Von Hippel-Lindau) | Suppression of metastasis | |
| Sustained angiogenesis | VEGF-2 | Crucial for angiogenesis | |
| Limitless replicative potential | RB (Retinoblastoma) | Cell-cycle regulation Deregulated metabolism | |
| Immune evasion | Protection via T helper DNMT blockers improve survival Beta Catenin | ||
The disruption of epigenetic mechanisms allows tumor cells to gain hallmark properties in the same manner as genetic mutations. Promoter hypermethylation leads to loss of gene function.