Targeting DNMT1 Restores PTEN Expression in Colorectal Cancer Cells

values of 12.38 ± 0.98 μM and 10.04 ± 0.98 μM, respectively. Treatment with 5-aza-dC induced significant PTEN re-expression and DNMT1 downregulation at both the mRNA and protein levels. Methylation-specific PCR (MSP-PCR) suggested reduced PTEN promoter methylation following treatment. Additionally, miR-29a-3p expression was significantly upregulated. These findings suggest that 5-aza-dC restores PTEN expression in association with DNMT1 suppression and PTEN promoter demethylation, while miR-29a-3p upregulation may reflect an associated epigenetic response requiring further mechanistic validation.