====== MGMT promoter methylation ======

[[MGMT]] [[promoter methylation]] refers to the process of adding a [[methyl]] group to the [[promoter region]] of the [[MGMT gene]]. The [[MGMT gene]] encodes for a [[DNA repair]] enzyme that plays a crucial role in protecting cells from [[DNA damage]] caused by [[alkylating agent]]s. Methylation of the MGMT promoter region can have significant implications in cancer research and treatment. Here's what you need to know:

[[Promoter Methylation]]: Promoter regions are regions of DNA that are located upstream of a gene and are involved in the regulation of gene expression. Methylation of the promoter region refers to the addition of methyl groups (CH3) to the DNA sequence. In the case of MGMT, promoter methylation typically occurs at the CpG islands in the promoter region.

MGMT Function: MGMT is a DNA repair enzyme that removes alkyl groups (methyl or alkyl adducts) from the O-6 position of guanine in DNA. This repair mechanism prevents the formation of DNA mutations caused by alkylating agents, such as those used in chemotherapy.

Impact in Cancer: In cancer cells, MGMT promoter methylation can lead to the silencing of the MGMT gene. This means that the DNA repair function of MGMT is impaired or lost in these cells. This is significant because it makes the cancer cells more sensitive to the DNA-damaging effects of alkylating agents, like temozolomide, which is commonly used in the treatment of brain tumors, such as glioblastoma multiforme.

Clinical Implications: MGMT promoter methylation status is often used as a biomarker in cancer diagnosis and treatment. It can help predict the response to alkylating chemotherapy agents. For example, patients with MGMT promoter methylation in their tumors are more likely to respond to temozolomide, while those without methylation may not respond as effectively. Therefore, MGMT promoter methylation status is an important factor in personalized cancer treatment decisions.

Detection: MGMT promoter methylation can be detected through molecular techniques, such as methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) or bisulfite sequencing. These methods can determine whether the promoter region of the MGMT gene is methylated or not.

Understanding the MGMT promoter methylation status in cancer patients is essential for tailoring treatment strategies and predicting outcomes, particularly in the context of brain tumors, but it can be relevant for other cancer types as well.
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[[O6 methylguanine DNA methyltransferase]] (also known as AGT, MGMT or AGAT) [[biomarker]] is a [[protein]] that in humans is encoded by the O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene.

It is crucial for genome stability. It repairs the naturally occurring mutagenic DNA lesion O6-methylguanine back to [[guanine]] and prevents mismatch and errors during [[DNA replication]] and [[transcription]]. Accordingly, loss of MGMT increases the carcinogenic risk in mice after exposure to [[alkylating]] agents.

It repairs the naturally occurring mutagenic DNA lesion O6-methylguanine back to guanine and prevents mismatch and errors during DNA replication and transcription. Accordingly, loss of MGMT increases the carcinogenic risk in mice after exposure to alkylating agents.
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see [[Unmethylated MGMT promoter]].

===== MGMT promoter methylation in Glioma =====

[[MGMT promoter methylation in Glioma]].