COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PROMOTER HYPERMETHYLATION OF MGMT, RASSF1, P16, AND RUNX3 GENE IN ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (OSCC) AMONG NORTH INDIAN POPULATIONS

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) represents a highly prevalent and aggressive malignancy of the oral cavity, contributing substantially to global morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated the promoter methylation status of MGMT, RASSF1A, P16, and RUNX3 genes in OSCC patients from the North Indian population using methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR). Through comparative analysis of DNA samples extracted from OSCC patients and healthy controls, we further elucidated the roles of these genes in cell cycle regulation and their epigenetic dysregulation in tumorigenesis. Utilizing MS-PCR followed by agarose gel electrophoresis, we confirmed the frequent hypermethylation of the MGMT gene in OSCC cases, while RASSF1A, P16, and RUNX3 remained unmethylated. Additionally, environmental and lifestyle factors, such as tobacco use and dietary habits, were found to influence MGMT methylation. These findings underscore the epigenetic silencing of MGMT as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in OSCC, highlight its relevance in the development of minimally invasive approaches for early detection, and targeted therapeutic strategies.