TP53 Gene Promoter Methylation Impacts Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Blood was collected from all enrolled individuals for hematological investigations as well as for molecular categorization of TP53 methylation status. Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MS-PCR) technique was used to define the methylation status of the TP53 gene promoter that encompasses DNA extraction, bisulfite conversion, conventional PCR amplification, running on agarose gel and documentation. Amplification was performed using a 2729 PCR thermal cycler (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA).

The scientists reported that all controls and 42 of 54 patients show unmethylated TP53 gene promoter; on the other hand, the methylated promoter was detected among 12 CLL patients. TP53 gene promoter methylation significantly linked to reduced platelet count and advanced stage at presentation. No significant differences were seen among both methylated and unmethylated TP53 promoters in relation to the age of the affected individuals, total white blood cell counts and hemoglobin level of the affected individuals.

The authors concluded that their study revealed that TP53 methylation contributes significantly to CLL development and progression. Further workups are recommended to study their relation with other genetic changes as malignancies are multifactorial and heterogeneous that arises from the interaction of different genetic changes. The study was published on November 25, 2019 in the Journal of Blood Medicine.

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