DNA methylation during depleted uranium-induced leukemia

摘要

Objectives: The radioactive heavy metal depleted uranium (DU) is used in kinetic-energy penetratorsrnin military applications. The objective of this study was to determine involvement of DNA methylation inrnDU-induced leukemia.rnMethods: Methylation was measured by direct analysis of 5-methylcytosine content of spleen DNA in DUrnleukemic mice.rnResults: Spleen hypomethylation occurred during DU-induced leukemogenesis (chronic internal DUrnexposure). Aberrant gene transcription was also detected.rnConclusions: Epigenetic mechanisms are implicated in DU-induced leukemia. These data are evidence ofrnaberrant DNA hypomethylation being associated with DU leukemogenesis.