Genome-wide methylation analysis using multiple tumor tissues

DNA methylation plays an essential role in the regulation of gene transcription. Recent findings suggest that aberrant DNA methylation is closely related to carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Using publicly available data, genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of tumor and corresponding normal tissues was performed in multiple cancers. 114 varied-in-tumor CpG sites were commonly found in all the three cancers. The genes located near or in these common CpG sites were functionally clustered. Nearly half of the genes were closely related to zinc finger proteins.