Date of Award

2012

Degree Type

Thesis

Department

Chemistry

First Advisor

Guo, Baochuan

Subject Headings

Liver -- Cancer -- Research, DNA -- Methylation, Genetic markers, Chemistry

Abstract

Hepatocellular Carcinoma is one of the major causes for mortality in the world and is usually asymptomatic until late stage decreasing the survival rate. There is an increase of incidence every year and current diagnostic and prognostic bio markers like AFP have their limitations in the wider context. Therefore, it is important to develop novel biomarkers. The aim of the Research is to understand the cytosine methylation and investigate the role of the p16 and SLIT-2 genes as biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. The methylation profiles of the genes were assessed on bisulfite modified DNA samples with the aid of Real time PCR. The specificity and sensitivity of the genes were calculated using the Standard Curve Analysis and specificity was determined by the ability to differentiate between methylated and unmethylated DNA. The sensitivity was determined by using different percentages of methylated and unmethylated DNA. This study identifies SLIT-2 as a potential biomarker and show the role of DNA methylation as an important part of hepato-carcinogenesis and its importance as a Biomarker

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