Abstract:

Epigenetics is defined as the investigation of heritable changes in gene expression that occurs without a change in DNA seguence. DNA methylation is one of the most important and distinct forms of epigenetic modification. Under usual conditions, there is an inverse correlation between gene expression level and DNA methylation. The gene can be silenced by DNA promoter methylation. Abnormalities of DNA methylation in patients with MDS are closely related to the occurrence, development, prognosis and treatment response of the disease. The mechanism and characteristics of DNA methylation, the abnormalities of DNA methylation in patients with MDS, the effect of DNA methylation in progress of MDS and mechanism and clinical application of demethylating agent are reviewed in this paper.

Key words: DNA methylation, myelodysplastic syndrome, azacitidine, decitabine