Research Progress on Dual-Gene Methylation Testing of PAX1/JAM3 in Management of Cervical Lesion

doi:10.12280/gjfckx.20251474

Abstract

Abstract:

The application value of epigenetic biomarkers in the precision screening of cervical cancer is becoming increasingly prominent. Among these, the aberrant methylation of paired box gene 1 (PAX1) and junctional adhesion molecule 3 (JAM3) serves as a key epigenetic event during the malignant transformation of host cells. It can objectively reflect the abnormal transformation state of cervical epithelial cells, establishing itself as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of cervical cancer. PAX1 exerts tumor-suppressive role by inhibiting multiple carcinogenic pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, and its methylation is a sensitive indicator in the early stages of carcinogenesis. JAM3 is closely related to epithelial barrier function and tumor invasion and metastasis, with its methylation level significantly increasing with disease progression. The combined methylation testing of these two genes exhibits high sensitivity and specificity, significantly outperforming traditional cytological methods. It not only enables precise and early identification but also effectively triages individuals who test positive in primary HPV screening, reducing unnecessary referrals for colposcopy. Furthermore, this test is applicable to the "self-sampling" mode, which helps improve screening accessibility in primary care and resource-limited settings. Additionally, combined PAX1/JAM3 methylation testing can predict the risk of pathological upgrading after cervical conization, guiding individualized therapeutic decisions. In the future, multi-center, large-sample clinical studies are needed to further establish standardized cut-off values for PAX1/JAM3 methylation. This combined testing is expected to be integrated as a core technology into cervical cancer screening guidelines, promoting a major shift in cervical cancer screening from "population-based screening" to a model of "individualized precision prevention and control."

Key words: Paired box gene 1, Junctional adhesion molecule 3, Methylation, Uterine cervical neoplasms, Carcinoma, Early detection of cancer

HE Qian-nan, HUANG Zi-jie, WANG Yi-fan, AN Yu-sheng, FENG Shu-xian. Research Progress on Dual-Gene Methylation Testing of PAX1/JAM3 in Management of Cervical Lesion[J]. Journal of International Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2026, 53(3): 278-284.

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