MethylGene preclinical data

MethylGene announced results of a study suggesting that an antisense compound targeted to suppress a mouse DNA methyltransferase gene inhibits cancer growth in animals. Because methylation is a method cells use to turn off genes, over-methylation of DNA can inactivate tumor suppressor genes that normally slow the cell cycle. Thus, inhibiting DNA methyltransferase (MeTase) may allow tumor suppressors to function normally and prevent unregulated cell growth.

In the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers implanted cancer cells in mice, then injected them intravenously with a MeTase antisense compound or control compound. The antisense candidate inhibited tumor growth, reduced levels of DNA MeTase and induced expression of an adrenocortical specific gene, steroid hydroxylase (C21), which is suppressed by methylation in cancer cells. ...