An Sirna Screen Identifies Chd4 As A Target For Epigenetic Therapy

Background and aims: In the past decade, epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of tumor-specific gene expression have been elucidated partially, prompting the development of therapeutic approaches in cancer cells. In this study, we used an unbiased screen to investigate therapeutic targets which might be effective combination with DNMT inhibitors in reactivating hypermethylated genes. Methods: We screened an siRNA library targeting 188 gene predicted as epigenetic regulators using colon cancer cells that harbor a GFP locus stably integrated and silenced by a hypermethylated cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. GFP-positive cell percentages were measured using Guava EasyCyte Plus flow analyzer software. For genome wide gene expression analysis, affymetrix microarrays were performed. DNA methylation status was evaluated by pyrosequencing analysis and Digital Restriction Enzyme Analysis of …