ABSTRACT:
As the release of tumor-associated DNA into blood circulation is a common event in patients with cancer, screening of plasma cell free DNA may provide information on genetic and epigenetic profiles associated with breast cancer development, circulating DNA can reflect tumor burden, and molecular characterization of circulating DNA can reveal important tumor characteristics Silencing of tumor suppressor genes plays a vital role in breast cancer carcinogenesis. In this study we aimed to evaluate aberrant RASSAF1Agene and SOX17 gene promoter methylation in patients with breast cancer Methods. Methylation of the genes were investigated by bisulfite modification/methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction and in tumors and normal samples from Iraqi patients with breast cancer Results. The promoter region of the RASSAF1A gene was methylated in30 (60%) of the all cases tumors and the corresponding normal sample 0 (0%), respectively. This difference was highly significant. In concordance, RASSAF1A gene expression was un methylation in 20(40%)of the patients and SOX17gene was methylated in29(58%)of the all cases tumors and the corresponding normal sample 0 (0%), respectively. This difference was highly significant. In concordance, SOX17gene expression was un methylation in 21(42%)of the patients Iraqi