Can CpG Methylation Serve as a Biomarker for Cancer?
Yes, abnormal CpG methylation patterns can serve as biomarkers for cancer detection and prognosis. For example, hypermethylation of the promoter regions of genes like BRCA1, MLH1, and p16 has been associated with various cancers. These methylation changes can be detected in tumor tissues as well as in body fluids, offering a non-invasive method for cancer diagnosis and monitoring.