Downregulation of SM22α protein by hypermethylation of its promoter in colorectal cancer.

Silencing of tumor suppressor genes by hypermethylation in gene promoter regions is a crucial mechanism in carcinogenesis. Gene methylation may be reversible and evaluated easily, thus providing a promising substrate for the development of biomarkers for the detection and prevention of cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC). In the present study, the protein expression and methylation status of smooth muscle protein 22α (SM22α) was investigated in 78 cases of CRC and adjacent normal tissue.