Methylation status of p15 and E-cadherin gene in a cohort of Egyptian acute monocytic leukemia patients

BACKGROUND: Acute monocytic leukemia (AML) is a common hematological malignancy with different subtypes. AML with monocytic involvement (AML M5) is the most frequent subtype among adults. Many genetic and epigenetic abnormalities were described in adult AML. Methylation status in AML is studied for classification, as prognostic marker and even for therapeutic implications. p15 and E-cadherin promotor region methylation are frequently implicated in different kinds of hematological and nonhematological malignancies. AIM OF THE WORK: The aim is to detect methylation status of p15 and E-cadherin in a group of adult Egyptian monocytic leukemia patients and relate it to further events; relapse and central nervous system (CNS) infiltration. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 76 acute monocytic leukemia patients and 50 healthy controls. PCR specific methylation for p15 and E cadherin was done for both groups. RESULTS: p15 and E-cadherin aberrant methylation are very frequent in adult acute monocytic leukemia. p15 methylation is related to CNS infiltration, while p15 and E-cadherin methylation status is related to relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Methylation of p15 and E-cadherin can be added to prognostic markers of acute monocytic leukemias.