DNA hypermethylation does not negatively impact the transcription of the TNF-α gene in an acute T-cell leukemia

Aims: To better understand the roles of DNA methylation and histone acetylation in the transcription of the TNF-alpha gene (TNFA) in leukemic T cells. Materials & methods: Methylation levels of cytosine-guanosine dinucleotides (CPGs) were assessed by mass spectrometry. The influence of epigenetic modifiers on DNA methylation and TNFA transcription was also determined. Results: CPG at the 5' promoter region, first exon and first intron of TNFA were hypermethylated in leukemic T cells and not impacted by epigenetic drugs. Activation of the class III histone deacetylases but not inhibitors of DNA methylation or histone deacetylases repressed TNFA transcription. Conclusion: These results lend insights into the impact of epigenetic mechanisms on the TNFA transcription in leukemic T cells.