MGMT Methylation

MGMT methylation refers to a chemical modification of the MGMT gene, where methyl groups are added to its DNA. This process can silence or reduce the gene's activity. MGMT produces a protein that helps repair damaged DNA, protecting cells from mutations. When the MGMT gene is methylated, its protein production decreases, making cancer cells less able to repair DNA damage caused by treatments like chemotherapy. Therefore, MGMT methylation status can influence how effective certain cancer therapies are and can also serve as a marker for prognosis in some cancers.