RASSF1

Overview

RASSF1 (also known as RASSF1A for its major isoform) is a Ras association domain-containing tumor suppressor. It is silenced by promoter hypermethylation in multiple tumor types, serving as an epigenetic field defect marker in gastric carcinogenesis and as a mechanism of EBV-driven epigenetic dysregulation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Alterations observed in the corpus

• RASSF1 promoter hypermethylation occurs long before cancer develops in H. pylori-affected stomachs, constituting an “epigenetic field defect” marker in familial and sporadic gastric adenocarcinoma (STAD). PMID:24816255
• RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation cited as a mechanism of EBV-driven epigenetic dysregulation in NPC; noted as a silencing mechanism rather than a direct therapeutic target. PMID:24952746

Cancer types (linked)

• STAD — RASSF1 promoter methylation is an epigenetic field defect marker detectable in normal gastric mucosa of H. pylori-affected individuals preceding malignant transformation. PMID:24816255
• NPC — RASSF1A silenced by EBV-driven promoter hypermethylation; contributes to apoptosis resistance. PMID:24952746

Co-occurrence and mutual exclusivity

• Co-occurs with LOX promoter hypermethylation as part of the H. pylori-associated epigenetic field defect in gastric mucosa. PMID:24816255

Therapeutic relevance

• No direct RASSF1-targeted therapy data reported in the current corpus.

Open questions

• RASSF1 methylation as a validated screening biomarker for gastric cancer risk in first-degree relatives of familial non-hereditary gastric cancer (FNHGC) probands remains investigational. PMID:24816255

Sources

• PMID:24816255
• PMID:24952746

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