Selected Grantee Publications

Epigenetic MLH1 Silencing Concurs With Mismatch Repair Deficiency in Sporadic, Naturally Occurring Colorectal Cancer in Rhesus Macaques

Deycmar et al., Journal of Translational Medicine. 2024.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38504345

Rhesus macaques serve as a useful model for colorectal cancer (CRC) in humans, but more data are needed to understand the molecular pathogenesis of these cancers. Using male and female rhesus macaques, researchers investigated mismatch repair status, microsatellite instability, genetic mutations, transcriptional differences, and epigenetic alterations associated with CRC. Their data indicate that epigenetic silencing suppresses MLH1 transcription, induces the loss of MLH1 protein, abrogates mismatch repair, and drives genomic instability in naturally occurring CRC in rhesus macaques. This work provides a uniquely informative model for human CRC. Supported by ORIP (P51OD011092, R24OD010947, R24OD021324, P40OD012217, U42OD010426, T35OD010946, T32OD010957), NCATS, and NCI.