Gene expression analysis by oligonucleotide microarray in oral leukoplakia

Abstract

Oral leukoplakias (LP) are the most frequent types of oral pre-cancerous lesions, but there is no accurate assessment of this malignant transformation or even genetic diagnosis of the oral epithelial dysplasia. We need to identify the new genetic diagnosis system of the epithelial dysplasia. Oligonucleotide microarray was used to analyze expression patterns of 29,952 genes in 10 LP patients. We compared the different gene expressions between mild dysplasia cases and severe dysplasia cases. Ninety-six genes expressed differentially were selected as candidates for up-regulated in severe dysplasia. Subsequently, we further selected 16 genes with highest differentially expression. By hierarchical clustering analysis, the 10 cases were divided mild dysplasia from severe dysplasia. The 16 genes are suggested as biomarker gene sets of efficacy and quickly recognized in the development of oral epithelial dysplasia.