Lower LINE-1 methylation is associated with promoter hypermethylation and distinct molecular features in gastric cancer

Aim: To investigate the associations between LINE1 methylation, an indicator for genome-wide hypomethylation, molecular and clinicopathological characteristics of gastric cancer (GC) patients. Patients & methods: LINE1 methylation statuses were examined in paired cancerous, non-neoplastic mucosa from 217 GC and gastric mucosa from separate group of 224 noncancer patients. CpG island methylator phenotype, TP53 and KRAS mutation, MLH1 methylation status and promoter hypermethylation of GC related and H. pylori-related genes were examined. Results: Lower LINE1 methylation was observed in primary GC compared with non-neoplastic gastric mucosa and associated with CpG island methylator phenotype, TP53 mutation, MLH1 methylation and promoter hypermethylation of GC related and H. pylori-related genes. Conclusion: Lower LINE1 methylation correlates specific molecular subtypes and promoter hypermethylation in GC.