Epigenetic reprogramming of fallopian tube fimbriae in BRCA mutation carriers defines early ovarian cancer evolution

Nat Commun. 2016 May 24:7:11620. doi: 10.1038/ncomms11620.

Abstract

The exact timing and contribution of epigenetic reprogramming to carcinogenesis are unclear. Women harbouring BRCA1/2 mutations demonstrate a 30-40-fold increased risk of high-grade serous extra-uterine Müllerian cancers (HGSEMC), otherwise referred to as 'ovarian carcinomas', which frequently develop from fimbrial cells but not from the proximal portion of the fallopian tube. Here we compare the DNA methylome of the fimbrial and proximal ends of the fallopian tube in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and non-carriers. We show that the number of CpGs displaying significant differences in methylation levels between fimbrial and proximal fallopian tube segments are threefold higher in BRCA mutation carriers than in controls, correlating with overexpression of activation-induced deaminase in their fimbrial epithelium. The differentially methylated CpGs accurately discriminate HGSEMCs from non-serous subtypes. Epigenetic reprogramming is an early pre-malignant event integral to BRCA1/2 mutation-driven carcinogenesis. Our findings may provide a basis for cancer-preventative strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • BRCA1 Protein / genetics*
  • BRCA2 Protein / genetics*
  • Carcinogenesis / genetics
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • CpG Islands / genetics
  • Cytidine Deaminase / metabolism
  • DNA Methylation
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Epithelium / metabolism
  • Epithelium / pathology*
  • Fallopian Tubes / cytology
  • Fallopian Tubes / metabolism
  • Fallopian Tubes / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Ovariectomy
  • Primary Cell Culture
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • BRCA1 Protein
  • BRCA1 protein, human
  • BRCA2 Protein
  • BRCA2 protein, human
  • AICDA (activation-induced cytidine deaminase)
  • Cytidine Deaminase