HIC1

HIC1 (Hypermethylated In Cancer 1) is a gene that encodes a zinc finger protein that functions as a transcriptional repressor. This gene is often hypermethylated in many types of cancer, hence its name.

Function

The HIC1 gene is located on chromosome 17 and is involved in the regulation of cell growth and cell differentiation. It is a tumor suppressor gene, meaning that it helps control the growth and division of cells. When the HIC1 gene is functioning normally, it helps prevent the formation of tumors. However, when the gene is hypermethylated, it can lead to the development of cancer.

Role in Cancer

Hypermethylation of the HIC1 gene is a common event in many types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer. This hypermethylation leads to the silencing of the gene, which can contribute to the development and progression of cancer.

Clinical Significance

The status of HIC1 hypermethylation can serve as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of certain types of cancer. In addition, understanding the role of HIC1 in cancer development can provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies.

See Also

• DNA methylation
• Epigenetics
• Tumor suppressor gene