Several studies have reported that elevated MMP-9 expression in lymphoma tissues correlated with tumor stage, grade, or prognosis. Because the DNA methylation pattern is critical for gene expression, detailed methylation analysis using genomic bisulfite sequencing was performed on a series of lymphoma cell lines. We found an inverse correlation between level of methylation of the MMP-9 promoter and the level of MMP-9 expression. Treating lymphoma cells with a DNA methylation inhibitor decreased MMP-9 promoter methylation and increased MMP-9 messenger RNA and protein secretion. This increased expression was potentiated by PMA, a known stimulus of MMP-9 in lymphoma cells. Finally, experiments using in vitro methylated MMP-9 promoter constructs confirmed the fact that DNA methylation exerts suppression on transcriptional activity. The results thus indicate that methylation may contribute to the transcriptional activity of the MMP-9 promoter. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.