Hypomethylation of DNA in pathological conditions of the human prostate.

Abstract

The overall 5-methylcytosine content of DNA from normal, benign hyperplastic, and neoplastic human prostate tissue was analyzed. DNA methylation levels were significantly lower in prostates with benign prostatic hyperplasia and metastatic tumors. In contrast, nonmetastatic prostate tumor DNA had a 5-methylcytosine content essentially the same as in normal tissue. The results suggest a correlation between hypomethylation and metastatic capacity.