Integrative analysis of DNA methylation and microRNA expression reveals mechanisms of disparity in hepatocellular carcinoma [miRNA-Seq]

We evaluate the epigenetic mechanisms of racial disparity in HCC through an integrated analysis of DNA methylation, miRNA, and combined regulation of gene expression. Specifically, we acquired DNA methylation, mRNA-seq, and miRNA-seq data through the analysis of tumor and adjacent normal liver tissues from African Americans (AA) and European Americans (EA) with HCC. Results: Using mixed ANOVA, we identified cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites, mRNAs, and miRNAs that are statistically significantly altered in HCC vs. adjacent normal in a race-specific manner. Through integrative analysis, we identified significantly differentially expressed genes in HCC with disparate epigenetic regulation, associated with changes in miRNA expression for AA and DNA methylation for EA. Overall design: miRNA profiles of 16 HCC and 16 adjacent normal liver tissue