E-cadherin promoter hypermethylation may contribute to protein inactivation in pterygia.

Abstract

Our study demonstrates E-cadherin gene promoter hypermethylation were associated with low or absent expression of E-cadherin. Moreover, loss of E-cadherin protein may contribute to aberrant localization of beta-catenin. These data provide evidence that methylation exists in pterygia and may play a role in their development.