BNIP3 and cancer: Furthermore, the expression of BNIP3 in the cancer cell lines appeared to be associated with the methylation status of the cells, while in the presence of the DNA-methyltransferase inhibitor Aza-dC the restoration of BNIP3 expression was achieved in Capan-1-BNIP3-negative cells and this process was accompanied by increased induction of apoptosis.