Association of Genetic Ancestry With DNA Methylation Changes in Prostate Cancer Disparity.

Background: We hypothesized that ancestry-mediated methylated DNA changes may drive racial and ethnic disparity in prostate cancer (PCa). To test this hypothesis, we analyzed genetic ancestry and association with DNA methylation changes in PCa disparity. Materials and Methods: Pyrosequencing and ancestry informative markers were used for DNA methylation and genetic ancestry testing, respectively. Results: Using Spearman rho rank correlation test, the data demonstrated significant (p<0.05) and variable association between African-American ancestry and DNA methylation for all genes investigated in prostate tissues. Conclusion: Genetic ancestry influences DNA methylation and this modifying factor must be considered in epigenetic association studies in populations of admixed patients.