The functional significance of this altered methylation is unknown; however, these results suggest considerable heterogeneity in the methylation patterns of human gastric cancers.134,135) The observed correlation between altered DNA methylation levels and the activity of Hp-related gastritis appears to be a relevant molecular mechanism underlying the development of diffuse-type cancer.136) Furthermore, Ushijima et al. reported that comprehensive DNA methylation was observed in gastric cancer.137–140). The gene discussed is HP; the disease is gastric cancer.