Why is MGMT Promoter Methylation Significant in Cancer?
The methylation status of the MGMT promoter has significant implications in cancer biology and treatment. When the MGMT promoter is methylated, the gene is silenced, meaning that the protein responsible for DNA repair is not produced. This can contribute to the accumulation of DNA mutations and the development of cancer. However, in the context of cancer treatment, particularly with alkylating agents such as temozolomide, methylation of the MGMT promoter is associated with a better response to therapy because the cancer cells are less capable of repairing the DNA damage induced by these treatments.
