The restoration of BNIP3 expression by treatment of negative BNIP3-pancreatic cancer cell lines with the DNA-methyltransferase inhibitor 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine (Aza-dC), rendered the pancreatic cancer cells more sensitive to hypoxia induced cell death [18]. This evidence concerns the gene BNIP3 and familial pancreatic carcinoma.