DNA methylation marker

DNA methylation markers are specific sites or regions in the genome where methylation status (typically at CpG dinucleotides) acts as a stable epigenetic indicator of gene activity, cellular differentiation state, or disease, most notably in cancer. Methylation of promoter regions often silences gene expression, especially of tumor suppressor genes. The measurement of DNA methylation at these sites, in tissue or circulating DNA, is a powerful tool for diagnosis, prognosis, and patient stratification, but is not itself a druggable molecular target.

Other names

DNA methylation biomarkermethylation markerepigenetic marker (methylation)

Diagnostic marker (DNA methylation status is detected as a biomarker, not as an enzymatic drug target itself), Patient stratification, Therapy response prediction