In conclusion, by combining the whole-genome DNA methylation pattern and the gene expression profile, we identified the six genes (CCDC37, CYTL1, CDO1, SLIT2, LMO3, and SERPINB5) that are regulated by DNA methylation, and we suggest their value as target molecules for further study of SCC.

To elucidate the proteins related to the development and progress of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), we performed gene expression profile analysis of 14 ESCC tissues. We identified 182 genes that were commonly upregulated (p < 10(-5)) and 54 genes that were downregulated in ESCC tissues (p < 10(-6)). In order to validate the gene expression profiles, we did semiquantitative RT-PCR analysis and found 11 genes upregulated in greater than 70% of 19 tissue samples. We further examined the protein expression level and the distribution patterns of four genes: aurora kinase B (AURKB), periostin (POSTN), heat shock protein 47 (HSP47), and matrix metalloprotease 1 (MMP1). Ultimately, three genes (AURKB, HSP47, POSTN) were verified to be increased at both the mRNA and protein levels. Among them, AURKB and HSP47 were found to increase in the early development stage of ESCC and POSTN might be considered to function in the cell-cell interactions between cancer cell and adjacent stromal cells. Accordingly, these studies may provide valuable information for the identification of the genes that are necessary to study further their functions. Moreover, these genes might be used as potential diagnostic or therapeutic target molecules for ESCC patients.

Tissue microdissection is appropriate for separating pure cells from heterogeneous tissues. Recently, we have focused on whole genome DNA methylation patterns of lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and needed to obtain the appropriate counterpart cells of lung SCC. However, in some regions of human tissues, such as in bronchial epithelium, it is difficult to apply tissue microdissection as a means to isolate pure cells from a heterogenous mixture of cells. Accordingly, we developed the pop brush method to retrieve sufficient amounts of pure bronchial epithelium from gross lung specimens, and this method enables us to study epigenetic variations of lung SCC.

Tissue microdissection is appropriate for separating pure cells from heterogeneous tissues. Recently, we have focused on whole-genome DNA methylation patterns of lung squamous cell carcinoma