Background
We aimed to investigate ITGA4 gene expression pattern and to explore its methylation heterogeneity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Patients &
Conclusion
Hypermethylation at ITGA4 gene CpG sites (1,2,3) is a characteristic feature in CLL.
Methods
Eighty one CLL patients and 75 healthy subjects were enrolled and prognostic evaluation of patients was assessed. ITGA4 q-realtime PCR was performed using Applied Biosystems, TaqMan gene expression assay. ITGA4 gene-specific CpG methylation was investigated in real time using pyrosequencing technology.
Results
ITGA4 was differentially expressed in CLL patients. The CpG sites-1, 2 and 3 showed significantly higher mean levels than healthy controls (p = <0.001, 0.007 and 0.009). Significant association between CpG site-1 and CLL has been detected using age-adjusted logistic regression (p < 0.001).