Lind Group. Cancer Epigenetics.

Address

Keywords

DNA methylation, methylome, cancer, biomarkers, liquid biopsies

Models

cancer cell lines, patient samples

Techniques

methylome sequencing, state-of-the-art droplet digital methylation specific PCR, qMSP, pyrosequencing, standardized analyses of liquid biopsies

Collaborations outside COST

We collaborate with medical doctors (Pathology, Urology, Oncology) within all cancer types studied (colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, cholangiocarcinomas and esophageal cancer), with technologists (methylome sequencing), with a technology transfer office (Inven2; innovation) and commercial companies (biomarker development).

Short description of ongoing research projects

Identification and development of epigenetic biomarkers for early non-invasive detection and monitoring of various cancer types, including bladder cancer, colorectal cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. Several of the biomarkers are covered by patent applications (nine patents are granted). We also aim at analysing and understanding the underlying biology of the biomarkers and how they affect the cancer development. We investigate cancer related defects of the DNA methylation machinery and finally aim at using epigenetics to subclassify cancers.

Publications

1. Vedeld HM, Merok M, Jeanmougin M, Danielsen SA, Honne H, Presthus GK, Sjo OH, Hektoen M, Eknæs M, Nesbakken A, Lothe RA, Lind GE. CpG island methylator phenotype identifies high risk patients among MSS BRAF mutated colorectal cancers. Int J Cancer. 2017 Sep 1;141(5):967-976. doi: 10.4161/15592294.2014.971624.
2. Pharo H, Honne H, Vedeld HM, Dahl C, Andresen K, Liestøl K, Jeanmougin M, Guldberg P, Lind GE. Experimental factors affecting the robustness of DNA methylation analysis. Scientific Reports. 2016 Sep 27;6:33936. doi: 10.1038/srep33936. 
3. Andresen A, Boberg KM, Vedeld HM, Honne H, Jebsen P, Hektoen M, Wadsworth CA, Clausen OP, Lundin KE, Paulsen V, Foss A, Mathisen Ø, Aabakken L, Schrumpf E, Lothe RA, Lind GE. Four DNA methylation biomarkers in biliary brush samples accurately identify the presence of cholangiocarcinoma. Hepatology. 2015 May;61(5):1651-9. doi: 10.1002/hep.27707.
4. Costa VL, Henrique R, Danielsen SA, Duarte-Pereira S, Eknaes M, Skotheim RI, Rodrigues A, Magalhães JS, Oliveira J, Lothe RA, Teixeira MR, Jerónimo C, and Lind GE. Three epigenetic biomarkers, GDF15, TMEFF2 and VIM, accurately predict bladder cancer from DNA-based analyses of urine samples. Clin Cancer Res. 2010 Dec 1;16(23):5842-51. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-10-1312.
5. Lind GE, Ahlquist T, and Lothe RA. DNA hypermethylation of MAL – a promising diagnostic biomarker for colorectal tumors. Gastroenterology. 2007 Apr;132(4):1631-2.

Other activities of potential interest to others

Founding member of the Young Academy of Norway (http://akademietforyngreforskere.no/en/) NEEDS: Liquid biopsy analyses are increasingly relevant, both in early detection and monitoring of disease, but also for evaluating therapeutic response etc. Highly standardized and highly accurate methods are required for successful liquid biopsy analyses. We have optimized the powerful, and absolute quantitative droplet digital PCR technology for highly standardized DNA methylation analyses of liquid biopsies. Omics analyses such as methylome sequencing are valuable for identification of differentially methylated regions, including potential biomarkers for disease, and should be useful for the Network.